PHNOM PENH: The Royal Government of Cambodia has instructed various ministries and institutions, including pagodas, to participate in the promotion of the 24th National Cultural Day on 3 March 2022, under the theme "Youth for National Culture" to encourage people, especially young people, to love their national culture.

According to the circular letter released on Tuesday, 22 February, the Royal Government has instructed the relevant ministries or institutions, such as the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, to cooperate with other relevant ministries or institutions – such as the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Cult and Religion, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – to participate in promoting the national culture both physically and on social media, at tourist attraction sites, pagodas, and to students. The circular letter also stated that the relevant ministries and institutions should guide the Ambassador, Consul General and Consulate in Cambodia to participate in commemorating this day as well. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Defense are listed as having the duty to protect security and order during National Cultural Day on 3 March, effectively and with a high sense of responsibility.

The letter also states that the Apsara National Authority, Preah Vihear National Authority and Sambo Prei Kuk National Authority must promote important achievements related to conservation, value promotion and sustainable development in World Heritage sites and other cultural sites to celebrate National Cultural Day. In particular, participants in programs and promotional activities related to the National Cultural Day must dress in traditional clothing.

National Cultural Day is held to encourage people, especially young people, to acquire knowledge, skills, techniques, arts and culture to promote the preservation and development of national Cambodian culture, including the multiculturalism of indigenous communities in Cambodia, in a sustainable manner. The day is intended to promote the responsible participation of young people in the preservation and development of national culture, regardless of trends, politics, beliefs, religions and color, to encourage participation in the study of all kinds of cultural heritage, and to compile, preserve and disseminate this culture widely.

Pursuant to the sub-decree dated 24 January 2006 on the establishment of the National Cultural Day and in line with the slogan "Cambodia: Kingdom of Culture", the Royal Government of Cambodia has designated 3 March as "National Cultural Day" to commemorate the merits of all generations of Cambodian ancestors who have created, preserved and protected the rich and invaluable cultural heritage of the nation, and to cultivate the spirit of the next generation of Cambodian children to love and protect their national culture.