It is with great pleasure that I join you today in marking the conclusion of the Leading Digital Government Transformation training programme. I extend my profound congratulations to the Royal Government of Cambodia, especially the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, for their commendable efforts in advancing Digital Government Transformation. Appreciation is owed to the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology for playing a pivotal role in developing digital skills and leadership capacity of government officials and for entrusting UNDP as a partner in this journey. Additionally, sincere thanks are extended to all the respective participants for their active participation in the collective efforts toward digital government transformation. Lastly, I would like to thank the three facilitators, Debashis, Mike and Eriks and my country office colleagues for their support in organizing this training. 

Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, 

The Royal Government of Cambodia has strategically prioritized the digital sector as a catalyst for accelerating economic and societal transformation, envisioning significant economic growth in Cambodia. Foundational policies such as the Cambodia Digital Government Policy 2022-2035 and the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035 stand as cornerstones, aiming to elevate public services and improve the quality of life for the people. This commitment is further reiterated in the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 of the 7th legislature of the Royal Government of Cambodia, emphasizing the Development of Digital Economy and Society as the 5th Pentagon of the strategy. 

Particularly, in support of the implementation of The Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, the Royal Government of Cambodia has established the Digital Government Committee (DGC) to direct comprehensive digital transformation across the government. The acquisition of not only digital skills but also the leadership and innovation capacity by this committee and participating ministries is pivotal for the effective execution of this policy. This collaboration between UNDP Cambodia and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) in delivering this training programme to senior-level government officials is indeed a significant foundation for digital transformation in the government. 

Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, 

I am very delighted that the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication and the Cambodia Academy for Digital Transformation have chosen UNDP as a partner in delivering two main modules of the “Leading Digital Government Transformation Program”. Our contribution aims to promote digital leadership at different levels of government to drive digital transformation for delivering better public services. Over the past three days, our facilitators have brought you through two main modules namely 1) Foundations of Digital Government Transformation and 2) the Design Approaches and Strategies for Digital Government. Adopted from UNDP Digital Leadership Learning Modules, These two main modules delve into fundamental areas such as comprehending digital government and services, human-centered design for inclusivity and agile learning cycles; the importance of security and privacy, the value of data and how to manage data and technology related risks; spotlight the key role of supportive leadership and offer practical tools for assessing and overcoming main barriers to ensure a successful digital transformation journey. 

Today signifies the formal completion of this training programme. However, it is only the beginning of the digital government transformation journey and I am hopeful that this training brings value to your respective roles in the process. 

UNDP is deeply honored to collaborate with the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology, and the respective ministries in fostering digital government transformation. We look forward to continued collaboration in promoting an inclusive digital society. 

In closure, I extend warm wishes to all for a joyous Water Festival and successful digital government journey.  

Thank you.