AKP Phnom Penh, May 03, 2026 —

Cambodia marked the 33rd anniversary of World Press Freedom Day on May 3 under the theme “Building a Peaceful Future,” with a photo exhibition highlighting the mission of journalists from the 1970s to the present at the Ministry of Information.

The event was presided over by H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, and attended by ambassadors and representatives of foreign embassies and UNESCO in Cambodia, senior ministry officials, veteran journalists, distinguished guests, and media practitioners.

In his remarks, H.E. Neth Pheaktra said the occasion paid tribute to national and international journalists who have carried out their mission in Cambodia since the 1970s.

Over the past 56 years, journalists have played a vital role as witnesses to history, recorders of truth, and bridges connecting events in Cambodia with both the Cambodian people and the international community, he said.

“They did not carry weapons. They carried pens, cameras, recorders, notebooks, and courage. They did not seek personal glory. They fulfilled a noble mission: to report, to reveal the truth, and to document the suffering, resilience, and hope of the Cambodian people during one of the most difficult periods in our national history,” he underlined.

The celebration featured a photo exhibition at the Chey Mongkol Information Garden, showcasing the role and activities of journalists in Cambodia over the decades.

According to the Minister, the exhibition reflects part of Cambodia’s 56-year journey, during which journalists helped document and share the country’s story with the public and the world.

Each photograph serves not only as an image but also as a historical record and testament to the courage of journalists, allowing visitors to reflect on the country’s painful past, the challenges faced by frontline reporters, and the continued development of journalism in Cambodia today.

During the event, participants observed a moment of silence in honour of journalists who lost their lives while on duty in Cambodia between 1970 and 1998.

The commemoration underscored that press freedom and the right to information are hard-earned values built on sacrifice and strong commitment. It also served as a reminder for the next generation of journalists to uphold professionalism, ethics, and truth as foundations for peace and sustainable national development.

“We must continue to maintain peace, protect the safety of journalists, promote the journalism profession, and ensure that journalists can carry out their roles safely, responsibly, and with dignity,” H.E. Neth Pheaktra said.

Earlier in the morning, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, together with Indian Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, paid tribute at the memorial for 37 war correspondents and journalists who were killed or went missing during the 1970–1975 Cambodian war, located in front of the French Embassy in Phnom Penh.

By Chea Vannak