Cambodia: 82 Ministry of Information Officials Undergo Training to Enhance Information Diplomacy Skills

The Ministry of Information of Cambodia has organized a training program for 82 of its officials to enhance their capacity in international cooperation and diplomatic relations. The training session was held at the Ministry of Information on September 15, targeting civil servants within the ministry. Kham Kunvath, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Information, emphasized that information diplomacy plays a crucial role in countering disinformation and fabricated news that could harm national honor and sovereignty. He stated that information officials must act as the vanguard in disseminating truth, defending national interests, and utilizing soft power to promote Cambodia's culture, tourism, and economic potential on the international stage. This initiative aligns with the government's strategy and the Ministry's implementation of the 2024-2028 action plan, focusing on Strategy 3 (Human Resource Development) and Strategy 5 (Partnership Building). These efforts are in line with the "Pentagonal Strategy" Phase I of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet. In the context of globalization and digital technology, information diplomacy serves not only as a bridge for social communication but also as a potent diplomatic tool for protecting and enhancing national prestige internationally. Kham Kunvath also highlighted the importance of understanding international communication methods, etiquette, geopolitical contexts, negotiation skills, and the proper drafting of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or international agreements. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of leveraging digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve work efficiency and promptly counter fake news. Source: AKP Khmer