Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - King Sihamoni to address UNESCO’s General Assembly

King Sihamoni to address UNESCO’s General Assembly

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
King Norodom Sihamoni will attend the 41st General Assembly of UNESCO on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Heng Chivoan

King Sihamoni to address UNESCO’s General Assembly

King Norodom Sihamoni will attend the 41st General Assembly of UNESCO on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, which is scheduled for November 10-14 in the French capital Paris.

In a press release on November 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the King was invited by UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay.

The press release added that on November 12 – with an audience consisting in part of numerous heads of state, leaders of national governments and other dignitaries – the King will deliver a speech at the General Assembly’s formal opening ceremony which will focus on the main achievements of UNESCO in Cambodia.

Since its establishment in 1945, UNESCO has made significant contributions towards the promotion of education, science, culture and communications in the world through cooperative and multilateral programmes, according to the press release.

Foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong could not be reached for comment on November 8.

However, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts spokesman Long Ponna Sirivath told The Post that at the event the King would comment on Cambodia’s achievements as a UNESCO member, including Cambodia’s additions to the UNESCO World Heritage List and Intangible Heritage of Humanity List, among other highlights.

He added that the King will be accompanied by culture minister Phoeurng Sackona who is currently in France on other missions.

Additionally, Cambodia’s ambassador to France and other embassy officials as well as members of the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO will all attend, with many of the latter group having already arrived in Paris.

“Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona, chairperson of the Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO, plans to attend on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

“King Sihamoni – acting as the Head of State – will deliver a speech to the assembly. Through good international diplomacy and active UNESCO membership, Cambodia has helped to promote the preservation, protection and development of culture, economy, society and science,” he said.

Ponna Sirivath added that when Cambodia became a member of UNESCO, the nation was then placed under an obligation to conduct studies to determine which temples to include on the World Heritage List and this project helped the government focus its conservation efforts.

He noted that UNESCO has played an important role in the conservation and protection of Cambodian culture by helping Cambodia coordinate with its development partner countries that have all offered a great deal of assistance to Cambodia over the years.

He also noted that UNESCO has contributed greatly to the preservation of the Kingdom’s heritage, history and culture on the international stage through Cambodia’s inclusion on the World Heritage List and the Intangible Heritage of Humanity List.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the