In a grand celebration held at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) on September 26, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and UNESCO jointly marked World Teachers’ Day 2024. 

The event, attended by over 2,000 participants, placed a spotlight on the critical role teachers play in shaping the country’s educational and socio-economic progress.

Under the national theme “Teacher development to enhance human capital towards Cambodia’s Vision 2050”, the celebration underscored the significance of teacher development as central to the country’s ambitions of becoming an upper-middle-income nation by 2030 and reaching high-income status by 2050. 

In line with the global theme, “Valuing teachers' voices: towards a new social contract for education”, the day emphasised the importance of including teachers in policy decisions to address the pressing challenges within the country’s education system, including teacher shortages and evolving demands on education.

Speaking at the event, education minister Hang Chuon Naron highlighted the crucial role of teachers in national development. 

“Teachers are crucial in improving students' learning outcomes. Enhancing the quality and excellence of teachers is essential; therefore, the ministry will continue to reform teacher education institutions to become centres of excellence, providing high-quality pre-service and in-service training for teachers at all educational levels to meet emerging needs,” he stated.

The ministry’s approach aligns with the country’s broader development agenda, encapsulated in phase one of the Pentagonal Strategy, which prioritises human resource development. 

The strategy, supported by reforms in teacher education, is a critical driver in transforming Cambodia into a knowledge-based society by ensuring that teachers are equipped to foster skills needed for the future workforce.

In his speech, Chuon Naron highlighted that “Teacher development requires a holistic and comprehensive education policy that addresses the evolving national needs in education, socio-economic development and the promotion of teachers’ status in society.”

“The 2024 celebration was also an occasion to launch a comprehensive report documenting teacher education reforms in Cambodia from 2014 to 2024,” according to the joint statement from the ministry and UNESCO. 

The report, developed with contributions from UNESCO and other development partners, showcases the country’s efforts to strengthen teacher training, improve the quality of education and elevate the status of teachers.

Over the last decade, the ministry has committed to significant investments in teacher professional development, targeting both pre-service and in-service teacher training. 

These reforms have resulted in a higher quality teacher workforce, which is key to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in education, particularly SDG 4 on quality education.

UNESCO has been a key partner in the country’s education reforms. 

Since 2018, the ministry and UNESCO have jointly implemented the Strengthening Teacher Education Programme in Cambodia (STEPCam), one of the largest teacher education initiatives in the country, with a total investment of $27.02 million. 

The programme has benefited over 230,000 students and 130,000 education staff, reflecting its wide-reaching impact on the education system.

UNESCO representative in Cambodia Sardar Umar Alam reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting educators. 

“Let us ensure that teachers are supported to empower generations of young Cambodians to fully realise their potential,” he said.

“By providing educators with professional development opportunities, innovative teaching methods and tools, digital competencies and elevated professional status, we can inspire a new era of learning,” he added.

As Cambodia navigates its path toward achieving its Vision 2050 goals, digital transformation in education is becoming increasingly vital. 

Phase two of the STEPCam programme, launched in 2024, prioritises digital competencies and innovative teaching methods, aligning with the forthcoming Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

By continuing to invest in the professional development of teachers and fostering an environment that supports educational innovation, the country is positioning itself to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

“With the concerted efforts of the education ministry, UNESCO and other stakeholders, teachers are set to remain the driving force behind Cambodia’s long-term socio-economic progress,” according to the joint statement. 

The country’s roadmap to becoming a high-income nation rests on the foundation of a high-quality teaching force. 

As emphasised by both national and international stakeholders at the celebration, the country’s future depends on its ability to empower its teachers.

"Together, we will nurture a generation equipped with the skills and creativity to shape Cambodia’s future,” Alam concluded, summing up the collective optimism shared by all in attendance.

World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on October 5, recognising the invaluable contributions of educators across the globe and advocating for stronger support to enhance the teaching profession.