Prime Minister Hun Sen celebrated his 70th birthday on August 5 at a ceremony to award him an honorary doctorate in development from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron congratulated him in a speech at the ceremony, saying that he is the first Cambodian politician to receive an honorary doctoral degree from RUPP.
He said that the degree was conferred upon Hun Sen in recognition of the prime minister's substantial contribution to the development of the arts, sciences and technology, education, politics, law, economics, public service, humanitarian aid, religion and his wise leadership of the nation as evidenced by his personal values and many achievements.
Chuon Naron further noted that the prime minister has contributed significantly to the discussion of ideas on international development, peace, political stability, governance and sustainable education in Cambodia and across the region as one of the longest-serving elected leaders on the planet.
Born on August 5, 1952, Hun Sen first took office as prime minister in 1985 by appointment under the previous government and continued in that role by winning election to office for five consecutive terms after Vietnam’s withdrawal and a brief period of stewardship by the UN that led to Cambodia’s reconstitution in its current form as a liberal multi-party democracy.
“This honorary doctorate in development is awarded by the RUPP in recognition of the highest level of education. We only award the degree to the most distinguished dignitaries and individuals for special recognition of monumental achievements and advances in the fields or activities that are in-line with the RUPP’s mission,” Chuon Naron continued.
Hun Sen said in a Facebook post that the degree presentation ceremony being held on his 70th birthday was a special gift and he thanked the university and everyone who had wished him well and sent birthday greetings that day.
In the post, Hun Sen reflected on the fact that when he first began his career in politics and public service, Cambodia was a country that had been destroyed and devastated by civil war and genocide.
The post said that when he became leader he had to take on the huge responsibility of guiding the destiny of the nation and the people of Cambodia, which he has been doing since 1985, and though it took years of tireless effort, Cambodia was now a peaceful and fast-developing country on a path to prosperity.
