The photo by Siem Reap Provincial Administration.
January saw the promotion of US-Cambodia partnerships in agriculture – one of the building blocks of the Kingdom’s GDP and a sector that employs millions of Cambodians. The US contributes significantly to cooperation centred on agriculture, sharing innovative technology, training and expertise, and US best practices for the benefit of Cambodian farmers.
February marked youth, education and technology. The US government has been a strong partner in supporting development and progress in these key sectors, essential for Cambodia’s social and economic development. The embassy has worked with Cambodia to strengthen STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – education and early grade reading, as well as fostering STEM innovation and English language instruction.
March put the spotlight on Women and Gender Equality, highlighting the important role of female professionals in various fields in Cambodia – from cultural preservation to education to law enforcement, as well as US commitment to LGBTQ+ and equality issues.
April promoted US-Cambodian collaboration on the environment and the many programmes the US Embassy has implemented to end the illegal wildlife trade, preserve forests, train forest rangers, and offer support in water resource management. The US Embassy’s own efforts to reduce its impact on the environment was also highlighted.
May was a public health-themed month, a particularly important focus this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The US is a longstanding and strong partner in helping Cambodia curb diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, assisting in HIV prevention, contributing to blood banks and promoting healthy behaviours.
June promoted people-to-people ties and the foundation of our bilateral relationship with Cambodia. Many Cambodians have participated in US government exchange programmes, such as Fulbright and YSEALI, while the large Cambodian-American population in the US also links our two nations.
July is the keystone month for the US Embassy’s year-long commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of US-Cambodia diplomatic relations. On July 11, 1950, US diplomat Donald Heath presented his credentials to King Sihanouk. Throughout July we will highlight the US’ history of cooperation with Cambodia over the past 70 years.
August is Humanitarian Assistance month, highlighting US contributions such as humanitarian demining, disaster and emergency relief, and historical projects to improve Cambodia’s infrastructure.
September spotlights US-Cambodia trade and investment. Through free trade and investment the US helps create economic opportunities for American and Cambodian businesses and workers that benefit both our countries.
October focuses on strong US-Cambodia cooperation in law enforcement, including the many US agencies that work closely with their Cambodian counterparts to reduce crime and support the criminal justice system and the rule of law.
November highlights regional cooperation and Asean. Strong and sovereign partners are key for Cambodia’s social and economic development. During this month we will highlight the opportunities and benefits of promoting common national interests within Asean through mutual cooperation and dialogue.
December puts the focus on human rights and democracy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a historic document on human rights, was signed on December 10, 1948. The US is proud to be a partner with Cambodia in supporting, respecting and promoting human rights – one of the cornerstones of a genuine democracy.
