Phnom penh: UNICEF has pledged to continue strengthening the educational sector in line with the government's Pentagonal Strategy and the Education Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, as well as the health system, mainly in maternal, infant and children health, and vaccination and nutrition.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the commitment was made by Mrs. June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, during her separate meetings with H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Minister of Health in Phnom Penh on Mar. 30.
Mrs. June Kunugi acknowledged the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts in reforming the educational sector and its SEA-PLM recent results, which demonstrated the progress in students' learning and Cambodia's resilience in rebuilding its education system after the war.
The UNICEF Regional Director pointed out several gaps that need to be addressed, particularly in remote areas, and reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to supporting Cambodia's new national programme for 2024-2028 to ensure that children receive quality and equitable education.
H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its longstanding cooperation and support to Cambodia's teachers and students. He highlighted the progress in school reform over the past decade, including expanding access to early childhood education, providing scholarships for poor students, improving teachers' qualifications, and launching model school standards nationwide.
Despite challenges in remote areas related to technical tools, computers, and digital infrastructures, the Ministry is striving to encourage the use of AI in the education sector, said H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron.
In the meeting with Health Minister H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Mrs. June Kunugi reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to implementing health policy and strategic plans to strengthen the health system, especially in maternal, infant, and children health, as well as vaccination and nutrition.
Under close cooperation with the Ministry, UNICEF has been discussing main policies and programmes, including addressing malnutrition, supporting digital transformation, accelerating equity and global health coverage, and preparing a five-year country programme in accordance with the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1, focusing on vaccination coverage throughout Cambodia.
H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra thanked UNICEF for the collaboration since 1952, emphasizing the organization's crucial role in supporting Cambodia's recovery and development. He noted that UNICEF has expanded its cooperation to support the Ministry's new strategic plan in promoting people's welfare and achieving global health coverage in line with the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1.