PHNOM PENH, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Monday that teachers played a crucial role in equipping youth with the skills necessary to navigate a constantly changing world.
In a statement posted on his official social media platforms to mark World Teachers' Day, Hun Manet said Cambodia celebrated the event under the national theme: "Teachers are the pillars of modern pedagogy for building 21st-century human resources."
"Teachers' Day highlights the pivotal role of educators in building youth competencies to thrive in a rapidly shifting global landscape," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron added that the celebration offers an opportunity to express gratitude to educators and highlight their indispensable role in Cambodia's socio-economic development.
"In this new era, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has penetrated all aspects of society, it is essential to utilize modern pedagogy to develop our human resources," he said during the World Teachers' Day 2026 Celebration in Phnom Penh.
He stressed that teachers are vital in nurturing students' critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for lifelong learning.
Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, echoed these sentiments, stating that as emerging technologies like AI continue to profoundly reshape the world, it is vital to ensure teachers remain at the center of learning.
He highlighted that with UNESCO's support, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has developed Cambodia's first National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and AI Competency Framework for Teachers.
He added that this framework will serve as a blueprint for building digital skills, enabling educators to use digital tools and AI both effectively and ethically.
Alongside this initiative, and following ministerial approval, a National EdTech Innovation Hub is currently being established at the Phnom Penh Teacher Education College with UNESCO's backing, Bonetti said.
The Hub aims to promote research and innovation in ICT and AI within education, while developing new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses to help teachers build these competencies.
"We must continue to build on the progress made and ensure that investments in education remain a priority so that all learners in Cambodia can benefit equally from these gains," Bonetti said. ■
