Royal Government of Cambodia, United Nations and Switzerland Accelerate Efforts to Expand Decent Employment Opportunities for Youth

Youth employment

Royal Government of Cambodia, United Nations and Switzerland Accelerate Efforts to Expand Decent Employment Opportunities for Youth

19 May 2026

Battambang, Cambodia - The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), together with the United Nations, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the private sector and youth representatives, conducted a high-level joint field visit to Battambang province on 18-19 May 2026 to review progress and strengthen collaboration under the Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia Programme Phase 3 (DEY III).

The visit was co-led by HENG Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and Vladanka Andreeva, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, and brough together members of the programme's Steering Committee and implementing agencies.

The mission highlights ongoing joint efforts to enhance workforce skills, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve labour market transitions-critical pillars of Cambodia's strategy to ensure inclusive and decent employment for youth in Cambodia.

At the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT), the delegation observed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments that enable returned migrant workers to get their skills gained from working abroad, certified. The delegation also visited BEEP learning centres supporting low secondary school dropouts through a flexible learning pathway, helping them transition to further education and skills training.

At the National Vocational Institute of Battambang (NVIB), the delegation engaged with local authorities, training providers, and young trainees under the TVET 1.5M programme, with a particular focus on expanding access for youth from vulnerable backgrounds, including youth with disabilities.

The visit to Takadia Enterprise with presence of other SMEs highlighted how SMEs, with the right technical support and partnership to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and standard compliance, play a crucial role in creating and/or improving decent and productive employment especially for youth and creating a resilient local economy.

The visit further emphasized efforts to enhance inclusion, particularly for women, youth with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, in line with the programme's commitment to "leave no one behind."

HENG Sour stated: "This field visit reaffirms the Royal Government's strong commitment to expanding skills development and employment opportunities for Cambodian youth. Initiatives such as RPL, BEEP and TVET 1.5M are critical to ensuring that returned migrant workers and disadvantaged groups can access formal recognition of their skills, access to formal education and training and transition into better jobs. At the same time, our support to SMEs is essential to generate quality employment, improve productivity, and strengthen compliance with labour standards. Strengthening coordination among government, development partners, and the private sector remains key to achieving sustainable and inclusive labour market outcomes."

Vladanka Andreeva added: "The United Nations is proud to support the Government of Cambodia in advancing inclusive pathways to decent work. What we have seen in Battambang demonstrates the power of integrated solutions-linking skills development, employment services, and enterprise support-to deliver tangible results for young people, including those who are often left behind."

Furthermore, Christian Disler, Deputy Head of SDC's Office in Cambodia, noted: "Investing in skills means investing in Cambodia's future. Strong partnerships create tangible opportunities for young people and contribute to stronger local economies. Switzerland remains committed to supporting Cambodia in building a skilled and competitive workforce. Through DEY III, we see meaningful progress in strengthening skills development and employment systems that generate sustainable job opportunities for Cambodian youth."

In looking ahead, the Steering Committee and partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding skills training, SME development, strengthening labour market linkages, and creating more decent employment opportunities for Cambodian youth under the DEY III programme and beyond.
About DEY III.

The Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia Programme Phase III (DEY III) is a joint initiative between the Royal Government of Cambodia, the United Nations, and SDC. The programme aims to support more than 30,000 young people-particularly those from vulnerable groups-in accessing skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities, while strengthening policies and systems that promote decent work.