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

Mr. Mol Vibol, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, participated in a Francophonie workshop under the theme of “Sustainable Tourism Development, Employment Opportunities for Youth, and Mobilizing Financing,” initiated by the Destination Éco-Talents (DET) project, following an invitation from the Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus. The international workshop took place from August 31 to September 4, 2026, in the Republic of Cyprus. Its objective was to review and evaluate the results of the DET project, as well as to discuss and seek common strategies to promote the creation of employment opportunities and skill development for youth through sustainable tourism development. It also aimed to identify sources of financing to support various tourism projects within the Francophonie community. Approximately 67 participants, including experts, representatives from national and international organizations, and stakeholders from 19 member countries, attended the event, presided over by Mr. Kostas Koumis, Minister of Tourism of Cyprus, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, and Ms. Cécile Martin-Phipps, Director of the Francophonie Institute for Sustainable Development. During the event, participants discussed and exchanged views to find common strategies related to enhancing employment opportunities and skill development for youth through sustainable tourism development, as well as identifying financing sources to support various tourism projects within the Francophonie community. Concurrently, the workshop focused on strengthening long-term cooperation between the governments of French-speaking countries, enterprises, private companies, and various development partners to support the development of sustainable tourism, create employment opportunities, and promote skill development for youth to meet labor market demands. It is noteworthy that Cambodia is one of the four pilot countries for the DET project, alongside Cabo Verde, Comoros, and Vietnam. Cambodia's participation as a pilot country clearly demonstrates its commitment and active involvement within the Francophonie framework to promote the labor and vocational training sectors, especially in creating employment opportunities and developing skills for youth that respond to the needs of the sustainable and responsible tourism sector, closely linked to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local