Cambodia Emphasizes Responsibility as Inheritor of Culture and Civilization

Information Minister Net Pheaktra stated on September 22, 2026, that Cambodia is not merely a land with ancient temples and rich heritage, but the cradle of Khmer culture and civilization, which has been passed down and preserved through centuries. He explained that everything from language, literature, religion, arts, architecture, music, dance, customs, to the lifestyle of the people, all demonstrate the identity and creativity of the Khmer nation. The minister further stated that the phrase "Cambodia is the owner of Khmer culture and civilization" does not merely mean claiming ownership of past heritage. It carries a deeper meaning: the Khmer people are inheritors from their ancestors and have the responsibility to continue to protect, develop, and pass on this heritage to future generations. Net Pheaktra emphasized that the living testimony of Khmer civilization is spread across Cambodia. Temples such as Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear, and Sambor Prei Kuk, ancient structures, inscriptions, and countless artworks demonstrate that Khmer ancestors possessed high knowledge in architecture, engineering, hydraulic systems, astronomy, arts, and social organization. However, Khmer civilization does not reside solely in temple stonework; it lives on in the Khmer language, Khmer script, Royal Ballet, Khon theatre, Chapei Dang Veng (string instrument), Kun Lbokator (traditional martial art), storytelling, festivals, and the daily customs of the Cambodian people. The minister continued that this is evidence that Khmer culture is not a heritage to be left dormant in museums but a "living heritage" that is passed from one generation to the next. Being the owner of heritage does not solely mean having pride, Net Pheaktra said. Ownership is accompanied by responsibility. If we say Khmer culture and civilization are ours, we must ask ourselves: What have we done to protect it? To what extent do young Khmer people understand their history, language, arts, and cultural values? Are we using digital technology to promote our heritage, or are we allowing our heritage to be spoken for by others? Concurrently, the Information Minister added that Cambodia is the owner of Khmer culture and civilization because it is a heritage that Khmer ancestors created and left behind. We inherit from our ancestors and have the duty to protect it in our generation. And we must pass it on to future generations without losing its identity and value. Net Pheaktra highlighted that Khmer culture is the soul of the nation, and Khmer civilization is the testimony of history. Protecting and promoting it is equivalent to protecting Cambodia's identity and future.