Phnom Penh, August 8, 2024 — The 35th World Population Day was commemorated in a grand opening ceremony presided over by Mr. Vongsey Visoth, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers and High Representative of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The event, which also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) presence in Cambodia and the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Visoth emphasized the importance of this celebration amidst global challenges, particularly ongoing conflicts that have severely impacted lives and human rights. He noted that the 35th World Population Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need to focus on population issues, which are intrinsically linked to the future of humanity and the well-being of all generations.
Reflecting on Cambodia’s national theme for 2024, "Environmental data, resilient people to build an equitable future for everyone," Mr. Vongsey Visoth highlighted the Royal Government’s commitment to collecting, analyzing, and using high-quality environmental data. This approach, he said, is essential for creating scientifically grounded policies and socio-economic development plans aimed at realizing Cambodia’s 2050 vision.
The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored Cambodia's significant progress over the past 30 years, pointing to a dramatic reduction in poverty rates—from 70% in 1994 to approximately 17% in 2023—as well as improvements in other critical social indicators. He attributed these achievements to the Royal Government's dedicated efforts in socio-economic development, with invaluable support from UNFPA, other UN agencies, national and international development partners, and various stakeholders.
Looking ahead, Mr. Vongsey Visoth addressed projections of Cambodia’s population reaching 22 million by 2050. He urged the Ministry of Planning to prepare demographic strategies and policies that not only anticipate risks associated with population growth but also capitalize on demographic dividends. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to quality education, vocational training, healthcare, and nutrition, alongside promoting high-value employment, gender equality, and social justice.
In alignment with the Royal Government's first pentagon strategy under Prime Minister Hun Manet, which prioritizes "Human" development, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that people are both the means and the goal of development. He emphasized that for Cambodia to become a civilized and developed society, its citizens must possess clear knowledge, skills, and ethics. He also called for embracing technology and science to support sustainable national development and escape the middle-income trap.
Concluding his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Visoth stressed the necessity of linking policy decisions more closely to data-driven and evidence-based policymaking. This, he stated, is crucial for ensuring that development directions are appropriate, context-specific, and meet the actual needs of the Cambodian people.
