Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron highlighted the potential of this generation as key agents for economic growth, societal change, environmental sustainability and technological innovation. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, who is also standing vice-chair of the National Youth Development Council (NYDC), emphasised the crucial role of the younger generation in driving economic advancement and fostering positive societal change.
He made the remarks while presiding over the 4th NGO Partnership Forum on Cambodian Youth Development on October 30.
The event was in line with the National Policy on Cambodian Youth Development, which categorises youth as those between 15 and 30 years of age. This age group represents over 28.3 per cent of the national population, as per the ministry.
The minister highlighted the potential of this generation as key agents for economic growth, societal change, environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
He said they will play a crucial role in helping the country achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
“Thus, it’s imperative we enhance their capabilities and equip them with 21st-century skills. By doing so, they will be able to contribute effectively to a sustainable, inclusive and equitable national growth,” he stated.
He also urged attendees to share insights, experiences and achievements related to youth development to shape future strategies and actions.
Kong Samneang, head of the Federation of Education Services in Cambodia, expressed his support for the ministry’s young adult capacity-building strategy on October 31.
He believes that nurturing this generation is instrumental for economic progress.
“To truly empower our youth, we must invest in early education and bolster the training quality provided by our educators. Especially in this digital age, teachers of young digital enthusiasts have areas where enhancements can be made,” he said.
He further called for collaboration between the education and labour ministries to enhance the skills and professional competencies of the demographic.
The education ministry laid out significant strategies for their preparation in job markets, leadership opportunities and future challenges. These strategies encompass enhancing the quality of education, sports, science and technology, and societal technical skills training, as per the ministry.
