Cambodia Becomes Regional Model for Integrating Sexual Health Education into National Curriculum

Cambodia has emerged as a regional model by integrating sexual health education into its national curriculum, significantly contributing to the promotion of youth health and national development. Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative for the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, in Phnom Penh. Ms. Bernklau emphasized that investing in the health and well-being of youth is one of the most crucial investments in human capital development, essential for nurturing a high-potential workforce capable of responding to population growth. Through its "2026-2029 Strategic Plan," UNFPA pledges to continue close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and various development partners to increase investments in students' health education, early childhood education, and the development of youth capacity and leadership. This initiative aims to maximize the benefits of Cambodia's demographic dividend and prevent various social issues. In response, Dr. Hang Chuon Naron shared the joint efforts in preventing social issues such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts. He highlighted the implementation of "Health Promoting School Standards" and "School Health Room Standards," as well as enhancing the role of youth as positive agents of social change through programs like the "Volunteer for My Community (VMC)" and national youth debates and councils. Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister praised and thanked UNFPA for coordinating financing with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the education on health and the "CSE Impact Evaluation." He reiterated Cambodia's support for the United Nations' multilateral reforms, expressing confidence that continued investment in youth potential, health education, and early childhood education will form a crucial foundation for building human capital for Cambodia's sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.