AKP Phnom Penh, February 14, 2025—

Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony, Permanent Vice President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), praised the dedication and active works of the organisation’s youth members and volunteers over the past year.

She made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the 2024 CRC Youth and Volunteer Conference and the setting forth of new strategic goals for the future, held here on Feb. 13 afternoon.

The event, hosted at the CRC headquarters, brought together 227 participants, including central committee members, senior leadership, representatives from all 25 provincial branches, and youth advisors from 25 higher education institutions in Phnom Penh.

In her opening report, First Deputy Secretary-General of the Cambodian Red Cross, Ms. Men Neary Sopheak, highlighted the accomplishments of CRC youth and volunteers over the past year. She noted a significant increase in youth engagement across 25 higher education institutions in Phnom Penh, where members received foundational training and first aid education.

These young volunteers have actively contributed to humanitarian and social works, demonstrating a strong understanding of fundamental Red Cross principles and humanitarian values.

Many have also taken on leadership roles, strengthening both national and international cooperation efforts.

Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony, expressed her appreciation for the youth’s commitment and emphasised their vital role in community-based humanitarian activities. She also conveyed warm regards from Her Majesty the Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Honorary President of the CRC, and Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, CRC President, to all conference participants.

She spoke highly of the CRC youth and volunteers for their unwavering presence in humanitarian initiatives and national social programmes, calling them an essential driving force behind the organisation’s mission. Their dedication, she noted, reflects a deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice, particularly among the 25 provincial branch leaders and the heads of university-based Red Cross youth.

She went on to praise and encourage CRC headquarters officials to organise at least one annual youth camp to further engage and develop young volunteers. To support ongoing initiatives, she announced a financial contribution of 2 million Riels (approximately US$500) for each of the 25 university-based Red Cross youth clubs in Phnom Penh, ensuring they have the necessary resources to continue their humanitarian efforts.

The conference concluded with a strong sense of commitment to expanding the role of youth in humanitarian work across Cambodia.

By K. Rithy Reak