AKP Phnom Penh, April 29, 2025 -- 

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in collaboration with development partners, hosted here on April 29 a workshop to disseminate the National Disability Strategic Plan (NDSP) 2024–2028 to its disability affairs working group. 

The event underscores the ongoing efforts to improve the lives and empower persons with disabilities across Cambodia.  

Presiding over the opening ceremony at the ministry’s office, H.E. Thieng Vandarong, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, highlighted the workshop’s role in strengthening the implementation of the updated strategic plan. 

The ministry currently employs 152 civil servants with disabilities (including 44 women) out of a total workforce of 2,464, representing 6.16 percent of staff. These employees serve at both central and sub-national levels, with department and unit heads leading initiatives to enhance accessibility, such as modifying infrastructure in public cultural buildings.  

H.E. Thieng Vandarong emphasised that disability inclusion remains a top priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia, requiring collective action and inclusive planning. The updated NDSP aligns with Cambodia’s broader development goals, good governance principles, and ethical leadership, ensuring the practical realisation of disability rights.  

This initiative supports the Pentagonal Strategy under the 7th legislature of the National Assembly of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, which prioritises poverty reduction, economic growth, and inclusive development—particularly for persons with disabilities.  

H.E. Sos Sop Y, Under-Secretary of State and Deputy Head of the Ministry’s Disability Working Group, reported that 96 employees with disabilities (27 women) work at the central level, while 56 (17 women) are stationed in provincial and municipal departments. These figures demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to the NDSP and compliance with the sub-decree on disability employment in the civil service. 

The workshop marks another step forward in Cambodia’s mission to foster an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate in national development.  

By K. Rithy Reak