UN Cambodia Youth Future Fair Empowers Young People to Shape a Sustainable Future

The event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the UN family in Cambodia including UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNOHCHR, UNAIDS, WFP, other UN agencies, development partners, CSOs, Youth Network, and the private sector.

The Youth Future Fair was the culmination of a series of activities that brought youth together to creatively discuss and share ideas and solutions on some of the key issues that impact youth today.  At the Fair participants engaged in discussions, debates, learned from experts and networked. As part of the Fair, there were Creative Forums which engaged participants in discussions about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Choices, Human Rights, Gender Equality, Green Skills, Youth and Education. The Fair challenged youth to generate ideas and solutions – and to network with each other and come up with practical solutions for taking action. The Fair challenged youth to imagine the future they want to see in a “World of 8 Billion” people through creative arts and dialogue.

As part of the Fair, a "Next in Art Competition" was held, with the Fair showcasing the creative talents of young artists. This competition provided a platform for participants to express their vision for a sustainable future through art. Winners are to be recognized and awarded at the Fair event, further motivating young individuals to explore their artistic abilities and contribute to promoting the SDGs and equal society.

Highlights about the Event:

• Over a thousand young people from diverse backgrounds participate in the Fair, including students, youth activists, young entrepreneurs, and artists.
• Creative Forums - Young individuals had the opportunity to voice their opinions, learn from experts, network, discuss and contribute to shaping policies and initiatives that affect their future.
• The "Next in Art Competition" showcase the creative talents of young artists and provided a platform for them to express their vision for a sustainable future. From 72 entries, 10 winners were awarded trophies and cash prizes for their inspiring and talented artwork.
• The Fair also hosted booths from over 30 partner organizations, youth networks and UN agencies, offering interactive activities, educational materials, surprises, and prizes. Through these booths, young individuals connected with local organizations learned about their initiatives and services and explored potential avenues for engagement.

“Young people are the future of our nation, and it is essential that we invest in their education and training so that they can acquire the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. We must all work together to create an appropriate environment to promote education and training for young people, so that we can achieve qualified human resources and build a highly civilized, moral, equitable, innovation and environmentally friendly society,” said H.E. Chek Lim, Deputy General of DG-Youth, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative to Cambodia and represent the UN family at the Youth Future Fair stated that “Harnessing the full views of youth requires facilitating a safe, creative and innovative space which will allow for youth participation and expression. In a world of 8 Billion, facing growing climate crisis and multiple challenges – what will you do to make your community a better place? Are you involved? Are you taking action? I would encourage you to get involved - join a youth network be part of the solutions and take action.”

Youth Future Fair Participants’ Srey Neang, a 20-year-old, second-year accounting student at Vannda University, said: "The Youth Future Fair was great and very different from other fairs I've attended. At each booth, I learned more about different topics, such as safe migration, which I was not aware of before, as well as child issues and other health and social services. I encourage all young people to attend and expose themselves to such events when possible to learn more and network with other young people from different backgrounds."

Winning Artist in the Next in Art Competition​- Van Vart, a 25-year-old from Prey Veng Province, said: " I was so excited to show my great talent and skills to the public. This was an inspiration and motivation to the next generation. I wanted them to understand that they matter and that anything is possible if they keep trying and never give up. Just do your best, don't be afraid, and show your confidence and commitment to achieving your goals. I hope that all the content I created on social media will inspire young people, motivate and value talented people, and encourage them to be real and supportive."

The UN Cambodia Youth Future Fair was a UN collaborative event that provided young people the platform to discuss serious issues that will impact their lives and their futures. The Fair provided a platform for young people to engage, learn, and collaborate, and equipped them with the tools and motivation needed to make a difference in the communities where they live and to shape the Cambodia they want.