On the afternoon of March 3, 2026, H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, representing Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, presided over the 28th National Culture Day celebrations and a gathering with artists from across the country at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. During the event, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, speaking on behalf of the inter-ministerial committee, leaders, civil servants, elders, veteran artists, professors, and all art practitioners, noted that this 2026 National Culture Day is held under the theme “Youth for National Culture.” This marks the 28th anniversary of National Culture Day and the 7th gathering of both formal and informal artists, officials, and cultural workers, initiated by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Great Guide of Culture and Peace, who established the firm foundation for Cambodia.
The Minister confirmed that the theme “Youth for National Culture,” which has been implemented for over a decade (11 years), is increasingly important in the current global context. Today’s youth face strong influences from global cultural trends flowing in rapidly through digital technology. We must acknowledge that this development has both positive and negative effects; while youth can learn extensively from the world, foreign cultures are also impacting our national identity. H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona added that as successors, youth play a vital role in selecting, absorbing, and adapting foreign cultures to align with our noble national cultural path. We must encourage youth to distinguish between accepting what is new and losing their original identity, working together to create an environment where youth take pride in Khmer culture and use it as a solid foundation for new creativity.
Speaking during the ceremony, H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, encouraged youth to become cultural content creators, digital artists, and promoters of Khmer cultural values on both national and international stages. In this regard, we should promote the idea of “One citizen, one national cultural guide!” The Deputy Prime Minister also encouraged the promotion of digital technology to support the arts sector, as digitalization in culture and arts not only helps diversify tourism products and services and increases attractiveness for visitors to study and explore, but also allows for the broad and rapid dissemination of Khmer culture to the world. Furthermore, it aids in the conservation and maintenance of our valuable heritage for current and future generations. Additionally, His Excellency noted that recently, there have been attempts to interpret national cultural heritage incorrectly from its original sources. Culture, arts, and traditions are essential foundations that confirm the true identity of the land’s owners, especially in the current circumstances involving violations of territorial integrity and attempts to misappropriate Khmer national identity by neighboring countries.
Please be informed that this gathering included participants from all sectors of society, including representatives from relevant ministries and institutions at both national and sub-national levels, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), cultural associations, “Living Human Treasure” elders, veteran artists in fine arts, dance, theater, music, composition, and directing, as well as performing arts groups and community arts groups, including indigenous Yike groups. Additionally, participants included private sector artists, writers, librarians, literati, award winners from food and Khmer kite competitions, skilled artisans, informal artists across all forms—including filmmakers, screenwriters, cinematographers, performers, voice actors, emcees—representatives from the Club of Cambodian Journalists, social media influencers, and students who won the National Culture Day poster competition, totaling approximately 700 participants.
