Stung Treng: Mr. Chhay Rithsen, Minister of Rural Development, on the morning of August 10, 2026, presided over the celebration of the 32nd and 22nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia under the theme “Promoting the Role of Indigenous Midwives to Protect Life and Promote Well-being”.
At the beginning, Mr. Sar Soputra, Governor of Stung Treng Provincial Government, expressed his welcome and reported on the geographical situation, progress and achievements in the province, and expressed his congratulations on holding this ceremony on the territory of Stung Treng province at this time.
Then, Ms. Nuon Monichenda, Director of the Department of Ethnic Minority Development of the Ministry of Rural Development, made a brief report on the major achievements that the Department of Ethnic Minority Development has achieved as of the first half of 2026, including: issuing letters of recognition to 228 indigenous communities, of which Stung Treng Province received letters of recognition from the Ministry of Rural Development for 21 communities, coordinating the approval of internal regulations for 105 indigenous communities, organizing 18 national seminars to promote the national policy on the development of indigenous peoples, organizing 20 training courses to strengthen the capacity of indigenous community committees with a total of 700 participants, 302 of whom were women, compiling, producing and disseminating documents on the culture, traditions and good customs of indigenous peoples by each tribe. At the same time, Mr. Hern Sok, a representative of the indigenous people, expressed his appreciation to the Royal Government, which has the Ministry of Rural Development, for organizing this ceremony every year to promote the rights, dignity, identity, culture, language, preservation, and sustainable development of the indigenous people in Cambodia.
On that occasion, Mr. Huot Hak made a meaningful presentation, highlighting the cooperation between the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Tourism in participating in the development of the tourism sector in Cambodia’s indigenous community areas, aiming to improve the living standards of the general public and indigenous communities. In fact, the Ministry of Tourism has been promoting the development of tourism communities to indigenous communities, which helps the Dem minority communities to prosper, be sustainable, and be modern.
During this ceremony, Mr. Chhay Riththi Sen read a message from His Excellency Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the occasion of the 32nd and 22nd International Days of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, expressed his gratitude to the ministries, relevant institutions, authorities at all levels, and partner organizations that have actively participated in the development and conservation of indigenous peoples in Cambodia in the past.
The Minister also informed the audience about the ministry’s mission through the implementation of the National Policy on Rural Development 2025-2035, which has a vision of “building a prosperous, equitable and sustainable Cambodian rural society” in both economic, social and cultural aspects, with four main goals: (1) rural areas with interconnected infrastructure; (2) people in rural areas with good health and long life expectancy; (3) people living in villages with a peaceful and healthy environment; and (4) people in rural areas with sustainable income growth, by setting out the key strategies of the national policy as five priority programs to contribute to the implementation of the first phase of the Royal Government’s Five-Point Strategy.
Finally, the two ministers presented certificates of appreciation to the leaders of the provincial rural development departments who have made good contributions to the development and conservation of indigenous peoples in Cambodia, and also invited them to visit an exhibition of indigenous products.
Please also inform us of the 32nd and 22nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia Organized for the purpose of:
1. Join in celebrating with indigenous peoples around the world and indigenous peoples in Cambodia.
2. Show the Royal Government of Cambodia’s concern for indigenous peoples in improving their livelihoods, preserving their culture, and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples in accordance with the National Policy on Indigenous Peoples Development.
3. Participate in the wider dissemination of the culture, traditions, customs and languages of indigenous peoples and promote sustainable development in indigenous areas, with the participation and support of all relevant parties.
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