An Apsara dance performance at the launch of a culture protection training programme sponsored by the US on February 7. Hong Menea
Prime Minister Hun Sen asked the Kingdom’s youth to take a more active role in the preservation of their national cultural inheritance and conserve and develop Cambodian culture in a sustainable manner.
The call came as Cambodia prepares to mark the 25th National Culture Day on March 3, observed this year with the theme “Youth for National Culture”. The day aims to encourage people, especially the young, to take a more active part in uplifting the common spirit of the national culture.
In a circular, Hun Sen ordered that all state institutions encourage the participation of the young in the preservation and development of national culture, regardless of political affiliations, religion or colour.
He encouraged the young to research, compile and preserve cultural heritage documents.
“We have to increase the awareness of the true value of our national culture. Our rich cultural heritage should contribute to the Kingdom’s socio-economic development through increased services and products for trade and tourist purposes,” he said.
“We encourage all people, especially the young, to strive to create new cultural works so that they will be more aware of their national identity and its potential to contribute to national economic development and poverty reduction,” he added.
The premier advised the Ministry of Information to organise a comprehensive programme for National Culture Day through broadcasts on state and private media, including radio, television, newspapers, magazines and online. The programme should inspire the public to understand the value of their national culture.
He also requested that the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts cooperate to disseminate the national culture to students.
Culture ministry spokesman Long Ponna Sirivath said the National Culture Day celebrations will help promote Cambodian heritage throughout the country through cultural activities.
In Phnom Penh, the celebrations will be held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, with around 4,000 artists and performers in attendance.
The government set March 3 as the annual National Culture Day for Cambodian to commemorate and honour their ancestors, who created a rich, unique cultural wealth for later generations.
