Cambodia Participates in Francophonie Workshop to Boost Youth Employment and Skills in Sustainable Tourism

Cambodia participated in an international workshop on "Sustainable Tourism Development, Employment Opportunities for Youth, and Mobilizing Financing," initiated by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The workshop, held from August 31 to September 4, 2026, in the Republic of Cyprus, was spearheaded by the OIF's Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. Its objective was to assess the results of the Destination Éco-Talents (DET) project and to discuss joint strategies for promoting employment opportunities and skill development for youth through sustainable tourism development. The international seminar saw the participation of approximately 67 individuals, including experts, representatives from national and international organizations, and stakeholders from 19 member countries. The event was presided over by Mr. Kostas Koumis, Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Cécile Martin-Phipps, Director of the Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development. Participants engaged in discussions and sought joint strategies related to enhancing employment opportunities and skill development for youth through sustainable tourism development, as well as identifying sources of financing to support tourism projects within the Francophonie community. Furthermore, the workshop focused on strengthening long-term cooperation between governments of French-speaking countries, enterprises, private companies, and various development partners to support sustainable tourism development, create job opportunities, and promote skill development for youth to meet labor market demands. Cambodia is one of the four pilot countries for the DET project, alongside Cabo Verde, Comoros, and Vietnam. This participation as a pilot country clearly demonstrates Cambodia's commitment and active involvement within the Francophonie framework to promote employment and vocational training, particularly in creating job opportunities and developing skills for youth that align with the requirements of sustainable and responsible tourism, closely linked to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. Source: AKP Khmer