(Phnom Penh): Dr Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), on Tuesday (1 Sep) held a cordial meeting and shared insightful experiences with the Association of Cambodian Alumni from the Soviet Union and Russia, led by Dr Nhel Rotha, alongside a delegation of 12 Cambodian youth representatives preparing to attend the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg, the Russian Federation.

The NBC governor shared the guidelines for representing the nation on the global stage. She underscored the paramount importance of enhancing general knowledge, economic and financial literacy, the national socio-economic developments, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She advised the youth delegation to employ gentle diplomacy, maintain a warm demeanour, and practice mutual respect to build meaningful connections with international peers, thereby forging pathways for future cooperation and joint projects.

Furthermore, the NBC governor highlighted Cambodia's notable socio-economic advancements, particularly in poverty alleviation and key SDGs milestones—as crucial subjects for the delegates to study and articulate on the international platform.

According to UNDP Human Development Report 2023), the population living in poverty in Cambodia was halved over a seven-year period, dropping from approximately 5.6 million in 2014 to 2.8 million in 2021/2022. Key drivers behind this progress included advancements in healthcare, living standards, nutrition, sanitation, and access to basic essential services. Meanwhile, World Bank data shows that Cambodia’s national poverty rate declined to 17.8 per cent in 2019/2020, down from 33.8 per cent in 2009, despite ongoing global economic headwinds and the severe challenges posed by the pandemic.

Dr Chea Serey also underscored the imperative of digital transformation within the financial sector, specifically pointing to the achievements of the Bakong App as a pivotal turning point in boosting financial inclusion. A top priority for the National Bank of Cambodia remains ensuring that citizens across all socio-economic strata have access to formal, affordable financial services, which will ultimately improve livelihoods and drive sustained poverty reduction.

Today’s gathering clearly reflects the Royal Government’s and particularly the National Bank of Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to investing in human capital, directly aligning with Cambodia's Vision 2050 to become a high-income nation.

It is worth noting that the International Festival of Youth, taking place in Yekaterinburg from August 11–18, 2026, will bring together approximately 10,000 young minds—including 5,000 participants from around 195 countries—to exchange ideas, cultures, and experiences, and to solidify international youth cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS