Geneva: On June 9, 2026, Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, participated in the intervention at the ILO Asia-Pacific Regional Ministerial Meeting (ASPAG Ministerial Meeting) under the theme “Time to Choose: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work” in Geneva, Switzerland.
On the occasion, the Minister stated that AI, which offers both unprecedented opportunities and policy challenges, has the potential to increase productivity, drive innovation, and create new approaches for economic growth.
He said that the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Phase 1 Pentagon Strategy, which focuses on human capital development, digital transformation, and economic resilience, is at the core of a critical national development agenda. Based on this vision, Cambodia firmly believes that investing in people is the most sustainable response to technological change. Through ongoing reforms in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, including 1.5 million TVET programs for young people from poor and vulnerable families, the Decent Employment and Employment for Cambodian Youth (DEY) program, and the Global Catalyst Initiative on Decent Work and Social Protection for Just Transitions, Cambodia is providing its workforce with the skills, flexibility, and lifelong learning opportunities necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world of work.
At the same time, technological progress must be based on human values. Governance of AI should be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, fairness and respect for fundamental principles and rights in the workplace. For the Asia-Pacific region, the challenge ahead is not only technological readiness but also policy readiness. As countries move at different speeds and from different starting points, regional cooperation is crucial.
He called for enhanced collaboration on digital skills, labour market intelligence, technology transfer and knowledge sharing to ensure that no country and no worker is left behind. As AI continues to transform the world of work, governments, employers and workers must work together through effective social dialogue to address challenges, reduce risks and create opportunities for all. Cambodia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the ILO’s decent work agenda, tripartite principles and social dialogue.
