The Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) held a November 27 nationwide general assembly which voted in Lieutenant General Hun Manet as their first-ever honorary president.

The UYFC said in a November 29 press statement that the decision was made in order to advance its missions, roles and duties and that the group also approved amendments to its statutes and internal rules.

“We decided to create this honorary president role and we’ve elected Hun Manet as our honorary president,” it said.

Addressing the general assembly, Manet thanked the UYFC’s Central Committee for electing him. He also complimented the activities and achievements that have so far been accomplished by the UYFC.

“UYFC is like a magnet that attracts young people to take part in our activities to develop the nation,” he said.

The general assembly focused on rapid progress of growth in the UYFC membership, which required an increase in the number of members with defined roles and duties in response to the larger mission and the scope of work they were undertaking.

The UYFC also held a Central Committee meeting to elect its deputy head, the nine members of its Standing Committee and the 203 members of its central committee.

The general assembly stated that the UYFC had encouraged young people to take part in the work of developing the social economy and culture of the Kingdom, as well as take part in humanitarian actions.

It said the UYFC had become a large umbrella forum that allowed all parts of society to join them to advance Cambodia’s vision, regardless of race, colour, sexual orientation, language, religion and social or political affiliations.

“We’ve become the biggest organised body for young people in the country and we’ve energetically moved forward with gathering young people together so that they will be a force of great solidarity that takes part in the building a Cambodia that is independent, peaceful, free, democratic and making social progress,” UYFC stated.

It said it will continue on its journey towards building a modern, safe, harmonious and prosperous living nation with a good environment and social welfare.

The general assembly noted that UYFC had initiated the idea of leading activities supported by young people so that they will be qualified and intellectual, spiritual, moral, virtuous, positive and physically healthy.

They said they have the potential to impact all sectors of society and are optimistic about the nation’s future and their fellow citizens.

The general assembly took place on November 26-27 in the presence of UYFC president Hun Many. Joining him at the gathering were 1,400 participants, including members and delegates from the capital and provinces and committee members.