AKP Phnom Penh, October 1, 2026 --

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has stressed that national development, stability, well-being and peace require solidarity and cooperation between the energy and creativity of young people and the guidance, perseverance and experience of older persons.

The Prime Minister made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of the 2026 Cambodian and International Day of Older Persons, observed on Oct. 1 under the theme “The Young Have Strength and Know the Way, the Elderly Have Experience.”

According to the message, the theme aims to promote the value of older persons in Cambodia and around the world while encouraging a sense of shared responsibility in contributing to a prosperous society.

“Achieving national development, stability, peace and well-being requires solidarity and cooperation between the strength and creative ideas of young people and the good guidance, dedication, perseverance and experience of older persons,” said Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.

He also highlighted the importance of showing gratitude and respect to older persons, reaffirming the Royal Government’s commitment to promoting their well-being through stronger social protection and healthcare systems for people of all ages.

The Prime Minister noted that successive Royal Governments, including the seventh-mandate Royal Government, have paid close attention to improving the quality of education and vocational and technical training. Programmes have also been introduced to provide vocational and technical skills training to young people from poor and vulnerable families, alongside national policies related to education and employment.

Meanwhile, the National Ageing Policy 2017-2030 highlights the importance of preparing young people for old age. According to the Prime Minister, this reflects the Royal Government’s strong attention to investing in young people, meaning that investment in youth today is an investment in productive older persons in the future.

The annual observance of Cambodian and International Day of Older Persons on Oct. 1 is in line with the policies of the Royal Government of Cambodia and a resolution of the United Nations.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed his sincere appreciation to fellow citizens for their commitment to respecting and showing gratitude to older persons. He called for greater participation in raising awareness among younger generations about the true value of older persons.

He stressed that the history and experience of societies demonstrate that sustainable and equitable economic, social and cultural development requires education in morality, virtue and a culture of non-violence.

Conversely, he noted that societies experiencing a decline in civility, virtue and morality could face crises and disasters.

Cambodia, he added, has inherited rich traditions, customs, intangible cultural heritage and other achievements that have been preserved to the present day. These legacies stem from the contributions, dedication and wise teachings of the country's ancestors and elders, including monarchs, citizens, civil servants, soldiers, monks, laypeople, writers, linguists, economists, researchers, artists, legal experts and scientists.

By C. Nika