AKP Phnom Penh, May 19, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, presented seven strategic recommendations to enhance Cambodia’s social protection system, at a high-level public forum on the “Social Protection System in Cambodia,” held at the National Assembly Palace on May 19.

In her opening speech, Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that the Royal Government has consistently prioritised human capital development as the national development agenda, as reflected in ongoing efforts to strengthen a knowledge-based economy and society and social welfare.

The National Assembly President outlined seven key directions to further reinforce the country's social protection framework, as follows:

First, Samdech encouraged the 8th Commission of the National Assembly and related commissions to strengthen the monitoring of legal and policy implementation to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. She proposed revising and amending outdated laws or closing legal loopholes that may hinder inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability.

Second, she emphasised the importance of enhancing good governance and cross-sectoral coordination. She urged continued capacity-building for the National Social Protection Council—Cambodia’s key coordinating body—and encouraged stronger partnerships across the public sector, private sector, and civil society under a “whole-of-society approach”.

Third, Samdech stressed the need to expand social protection coverage and benefits with a special attention to the less privileged and vulnerable groups. She called for integrating workers in the informal economy, extending social security reach, and reviewing benefit levels to better align with the needs of beneficiaries.

Fourth, she highlighted the critical role of subnational administrations, including the need to invest in human resources, build the capacity of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) staff, advance decentralisation, improve service delivery, and allocate sufficient funding for implementation at the local level.

Fifth, she advocated for improved digital integration and stronger data management systems. She recommended developing a unified digital platform and establishing a centralised registration system for social protection to optimise the resources.

Sixth, Samdech called for the mainstreaming of gender and disability inclusion in both policy design and service delivery. She urged that legal frameworks and programmes be responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, the elderly, and children under five.

Seventh, she underscored the importance of raising public awareness. She emphasised that effective communication and outreach are essential to help citizens understand the value and accessibility of social protection programmes.

She affirmed that the National Assembly will continue to provide legislative support and oversight to ensure the system reaches its full potential and benefits all citizens across sectors.

The forum, jointly organised by the 8th Commissions of the National Assembly and the Senate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, brought together around 300 participants.

By Chea Vanank