2nd Programme Steering Committee Meeting of “Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia (DEY)

His Excellency. Dr. Ith Samheng, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training

Distinguished members of the Steering Committee, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Welcome to the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the “Decent Employment for Youth in Cambodia-DEY” programme. It's unfortunate that we could not hold this meeting in person. But it's timely to be holding this meeting, although virtually, to review the progress of the programme and jointly explore innovations to advance our common aspirations of enabling decent employment for Cambodian youth. It is an honor to co-chair this meeting with you, H.E Dr. Ith Samheng.

We all follow the numbers. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed almost 81 million workers around the world out of the labour force. Globally, 8.8 % of working hours have been lost from the pandemic, equivalent to 255 million full-time jobs, leading to an 8.3% decline in labour income, amounting to US$3.7 trillion, or 4.4 percent of global GDP[1].

We also follow the pandemic’s impact on the world of work: most visibly seen in the acceleration of digitization, which both enhances opportunities while at the same time widens the gap for those who have no access to technology, skills and digital infrastructure.

Specifically in Cambodia, the economic impact of COVID is felt in the numbers of people who have become unemployed (estimated to increase to 4.8% of labor force); and the increase in poverty rates (estimated to rise to 17.6% without current government measures to cushion the impact)[2].

Yet most of us have worked together to transform this crisis into an opportunity. Through scale up and digitalizing of systems, such as in cash transfers, learning platforms; and in advancing capabilities to narrow gaps in skills, access and infrastructure, we are building forward a more resilient and equitable future. 

For the first year of the 2nd phase of the Decent Employment for Youth programme, we also made progress despite the challenges. Some of the results we will hear today are around:

• Digitization of learning content, methodologies, and platforms to develop skills; and
• Initiating a culture of innovation.

Through digital and blended platforms, as well as innovations promoted, we continue to support learning and expanding access and opportunities to young women migrant returnees, low-skilled workers, rural and vulnerable youth to acquire and be certified for new skills that are in greater demand.

We have also supported youth to access both employment and establish their own business.

I know we can achieve a lot more notwithstanding the continued pandemic challenges. We are committed to build forward better in the second year of the programme in 2021.  This commitment is reflected in the priorities for 2021:

First, invest in digital skills development for youth as a pillar of economic recovery. Digital skills are are an indispensable requirement for the jobs of today, as well as for lifelong learning. Youth also need to be equipped with skills for the green economy, not only to increase their employability and but for them to shape a low carbon future.

Second, design an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship as part of economic recovery from the pandemic. This may include incentives and investments in youth-owned businesses while at the same time improving the functioning of Micro and SMEs across sectors.

Third, reset public-private partnership in learning and skills development design and delivery.  We need to seek better means to “now cast” demand for skills, to design training capsules in an adaptable and innovative fashion and create feedback loops to improve learning and teaching, including blended and online learning.

Last but not least, think big and let young people lead. Recovery from the pandemic is the opportunity to build forward better for our young people. The Strategic Innovation Fund should serve as an incubator of ideas, actions and solutions.

We cannot do this alone. We need to work together and take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Royal Government, SDC, CAMFEBA, the business sector and other partners, most especially, the youth of Cambodia for the collaboration in the first year of the programme.  We are inspired by your readiness and commitment to move forward.

Let’s rise to the challenge together to achieve a big, bold vision for the Decent Employment for Youth programme, phase II. Thank you.

[1] ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. Seventh edition

[2] UNDP Policy brief: COVID-19 Economic and Social Impact Assessment in Cambodia