Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has officially launched the second phase of the “Peace Education Archives Preservation and Digitisation and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE)” project, more widely known as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitisation Project Phase II.

A signing ceremony was held on August 8 at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, where Ms. Choi Moon Jung, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia Office, and Mr. Alam Sardar Umar, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, signed the Grant Arrangement. Additionally, Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, and Ms. Choi Moon Jung signed the Record of Discussions (RoD).

During her address, Ms. Choi Moon Jung highlighted the profound significance of the project. “KOICA’s aid project in Cambodia symbolizes the shared sorrow and burden between the Cambodian and Korean people,” she stated. “This initiative aims to alleviate Cambodia’s grief and pain, serving as a foundation for educating future generations about the country’s tragic past to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

According to a press release from KOICA, the first phase of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Archives Preservation and Digitisation Project achieved significant milestones, including the digitisation of over 745,494 pages and nearly half a million archives. These invaluable records are now accessible via a bilingual website. The project also provided critical technical assistance to museum staff, leading to the museum’s recognition with the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize in 2020.

Building on the success of the initial phase, KOICA has pledged an additional US$3 million over five years, starting in 2024. This extended phase of the project includes an additional year and an extra US$1 million in funding compared to the original proposal. The project’s goals are aligned with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I, aiming to foster a peaceful society through cultural and heritage education and youth empowerment.

The success of this project has garnered international recognition, with Rwanda and Timor-Leste seeking the expertise of Mr. Hang Nisay, Director of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. These countries, which have experienced their own tragic histories, have invited him to join their respective committees, recognizing the value of Cambodia’s digitisation and preservation initiatives. Through collaboration with Rwanda and Timor-Leste, Mr. Hang Nisay contributes to a global dialogue on memory, justice, and reconciliation.

The tourism sector, a vital component of Cambodia’s economy, has already shown its potential by generating billions of dollars in revenue and creating numerous jobs. In 2019 alone, the sector directly employed 630,000 people, with tourism receipts reaching US$4.9 billion, accounting for 18.2 percent of Cambodia’s GDP—the highest among ASEAN+3 economies. Moving forward, this project aims to attract more tourists, further boosting tourism revenue, creating jobs in conservation, digitisation, and education, and enhancing skills development, particularly in archival management and peace education. These efforts will not only increase employability but also ensure sustainable economic growth for Cambodia.

By preserving and making historical archives accessible, the project facilitates academic research and fosters a deep awareness of the past, encouraging a collective responsibility to prevent future atrocities. Moreover, protecting and preserving cultural heritage sites and promoting intergenerational dialogue not only safeguards our rich cultural legacy but also preserves the oral histories and practices that define our identity.

These efforts are essential for fostering a sense of continuity and connection among all generations of Cambodians.

KOICA emphasized its commitment to strengthening the partnership between Korea and Cambodia, pledging to continue bridging the people of both nations more closely.

Since the opening of its Phnom Penh Office in 2003, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been a key partner in Cambodia's development, implementing various cooperation programs in education, health, and rural development sectors.