Cambodia marks 74 years of UNESCO membership

Synopsis: Cambodia celebrates 74 years of being a UNESCO member with cultural heritage highlights and reaffirmation of commitment to preservation.Seventy-four years after joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Cambodia is celebrating the milestone with renewed pride and purpose, highlighting its decades-long efforts in cultural preservation and international cooperation.

In a message commemorating the anniversary, Senate President Hun Sen, who is former Prime Minister, reflected on the significance of Cambodia’s long-standing membership in the organisation.

“Today marks the 74th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in UNESCO (July 3, 1951– July 3, 2025), an institution that is part of the United Nations system, established on November 16, 1945, with a special mission to uphold peace and security in the world by promoting cooperation among nations through education, science, culture, and communication,” he wrote.

Mr Hun Sen said Cambodia’s engagement with UNESCO has not only elevated the country’s global presence but also played a vital role in safeguarding its cultural identity.

“Since joining, Cambodia has continually registered both tangible and intangible heritage, as well as entries in the Memory of the World Register—efforts aimed at preserving the originality of our culture and the priceless legacy handed down by our Khmer ancestors.”

Cambodia became a member of UNESCO on July 3, 1951—just six years after the organisation’s founding.

Prime Minister Hun Manet extended his congratulations on the 74th anniversary, noting the Kingdom’s progress in protecting and promoting cultural heritage under the UNESCO framework.

He said Cambodia has inscribed four tangible heritage sites, seven intangible cultural elements, and three entries on the Memory of the World Register—recognitions that affirm the nation’s commitment to preserving its cultural roots and honouring the Khmer legacy.

These include the iconic sites of Angkor, Preah Vihear, Sambor Prei Kuk, and Koh Ker; traditional practices of the Royal Ballet, Sbek Thom, Chapei Dang Veng, and Bokator; and documentary heritage of Tuol Sleng Genocide Archives and the Reamker recordings by Ta Krut.

These recognitions not only preserve Cambodia’s cultural forms but also serve as lasting testaments to the nation’s rich history and enduring identity.

They underscore a national vision to pass on traditional practices and sacred heritage to future generations.

The anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action—to continue protecting the tangible and intangible legacies that define Cambodia’s soul and contribute to a more respectful, interconnected world.

Over the past seven decades, Cambodia has remained a participant in UNESCO’s global cultural initiatives.

The Kingdom’s efforts to list its cultural treasures—from architecture to oral traditions—reflect its role in supporting UNESCO’s broader mission to promote peace, knowledge sharing, and global solidarity through education, science, and culture.