The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), has launched a training program to strengthen the country’s capacity for evidence-based policymaking in skills development, employment, and active labour market policies. The four-day course, held in Siem Reap from 30 March to 2 April 2026, brought together 40 policymakers and social partners to develop practical skills for creating policies that promote decent jobs and social justice.
The training was inaugurated by Lim Suy Hong, Under Secretary of State at MLVT, who highlighted its importance for leaders, technical officials, and representatives from workers’ and employers’ organizations. The program focuses on enhancing understanding of key ILO principles, social dialogue, and the process of evidence-based policy development.
Despite significant labour market reforms, Cambodia faces challenges such as low skill levels in the workforce, high informality, and pressures from the return of over 900,000 migrant workers following border clashes with Thailand. The country’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029 also underscores the need for a more globally competitive workforce. Mary Kent, Skills and Employability Specialist at ILO Cambodia, emphasized that sound, data-driven policy decisions are crucial to address these complex labour market challenges.
Participants, including officials from multiple ministries and representatives of trade unions and employers’ organizations, were trained in formulating policy questions, assessing labour market evidence, synthesizing and communicating findings, and drafting policy briefs. Naren Prasad, Head of Education and Training at the ILO Research Department, noted that the course aims to turn evidence into action, enabling participants to apply principles of evidence-based policymaking to real-world decent work issues in Cambodia.
