UNESCO Monitors Preah Vihear Temple Situation, Promotes Cultural Exchange to Ease Tensions

On the afternoon of July 21, 2026, Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, held a working meeting with Mr. Nayef Al-Fayez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea. During the meeting, Minister Phoeurng Sackona congratulated Mr. Al-Fayez on his election and expressed gratitude for the report from the mission of experts from the World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS specialists, who conducted their work at Preah Vihear Temple from March 1-6, 2026, in response to Cambodia's invitation. The Minister praised the quality of the report, noting its comprehensive technical nature and accurate reflection of the actual situation occurring at Preah Vihear Temple. She also informed the Assistant Director-General of Cambodia's intention to host an Intergovernmental Committee meeting on Intangible Cultural Heritage at some point during Cambodia's membership on the Committee from 2026 to 2030. Mr. Al-Fayez pledged his support for the hosting proposal and affirmed UNESCO's and his personal commitment to closely monitor the Preah Vihear Temple case and actively participate in facilitating the easing of tensions between the two countries through culture. Copyright: Soth Ly