Geneva: On June 11, 2026, Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, was invited to co-chair the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Global Catalyst (GA) on Decent Work and Social Protection for Just Transitions, co-organized by Cambodia and the Republic of Uzbekistan, at the 114th International Labour Conference in Switzerland. The discussions at the meeting reflected a shared understanding that the future of work, social protection and sustainable development can no longer be addressed through sectoral approaches.
The Minister considered the Global Catalyst for Decent Work and social protection for a just transition as a necessary driving force to push forward the ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of global crisis, while the challenges must be responded to through policies of integration, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and further strengthening global solidarity.
On that occasion, he noted that the international community is going through a period of change and uncertainty. The economic and pandemic impacts, vulnerability to climate change, technological disruptions, changing demographic structures, rising inequality, and geopolitical and economic fragmentation are putting significant pressure on labor markets and social protection systems, especially in developing countries. In this context, the Global Catalyst is not only a timely initiative, but also a significant evolution in development thinking, recognizing that investments in decent work, social protection and human capital are strategic foundations for resilience, productivity, social cohesion and sustainable economic growth.
For Cambodia, these priorities are in line with the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Phase 1 Pentagon Strategy, which at the heart of Cambodia’s national development agenda places a strong commitment to human resource development, productivity enhancement, economic diversification, expansion of social protection, and inclusive growth. Cambodia firmly believes that investing in skills, employability and social protection is essential for strengthening national competitiveness and long-term socio-economic resilience.
Cambodia has officially adopted the Roadmap under the Global Catalyst Framework 2025-2028, reflecting the highest political commitment of the Royal Government to promote decent work and a resilient social protection system. The roadmap adopts a participatory approach across government and society, with relevant ministries, institutions, development partners, unions, employers, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, and United Nations agencies. In addition, the roadmap also places a strong emphasis on evidence-based policymaking, labor market forecasting, policy coherence, and sustainable financing mechanisms to better prepare for future economic and labor market changes.
Mr. Heng Sour Encouraged all partners to continue to strengthen their support for the pioneering countries of this initiative to mobilize investment, promote change, promote knowledge sharing and innovation, and strengthen the spirit of solidarity that is the foundation of this important initiative. Cambodia remains committed to working closely with all partners to promote a future of work that is inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and increasingly focused on human capital.
Meanwhile, the Uzbekistani and ILO sides highly appreciated Cambodia’s role as a pioneering country and co-chair of the meeting. Both sides welcomed Cambodia’s participation in transforming the Global Catalyst from a global initiative into concrete action for decent work, social protection and a just transition.
