AKP Phnom Penh, September 17, 2025 --

H.E. Sardar Umar Alam, outgoing UNESCO Representative in Cambodia, has been appointed Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States.

According to a news release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Sardar Umar Alam bid farewell to Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the ministry this morning. 

During the farewell meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated H.E. Sardar Umar Alam on his appointment and extended best wishes for continued success in his future endeavours. 

H.E. Prak Sokhonn also commended H.E. Sardar Umar Alam for his efforts and continued support to Cambodia, particularly in advancing the country's development priorities in the fields of education, culture, environment, and heritage preservation. He expressed appreciation for UNESCO's technical assistance in protecting and conserving the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site affected during the recent Cambodia-Thailand border clashes, and reaffirmed Cambodia's unwavering commitment to further strengthening its partnership and cooperation with UNESCO in the years ahead.

For his part, H.E. Sardar Umar Alam expressed his deep gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially to Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, for the strong support and close cooperation extended throughout his mission. He noted that this collaboration had led to remarkable achievements in enhancing the education system, promoting peace and sustainable development, and preserving cultural heritage. He also emphasised the significance of UNESCO's contributions to improving the lives of the Cambodian people.

By Heng Panha