Background
The addendum to AUF’s existing headquarters agreement allows the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to continue its operational activities on the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The agreement also provides an explicit authorization for AUF to expand its regional coordination role by establishing a permanent AUF‑Asia Pacific office in Phnom Penh.
The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie has maintained a national office in Phnom Penh since 1994 and will establish the AUF‑Asia Pacific regional office at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport collaborated with AUF in preparing the regional office site and in arranging the institutional hosting of AUF’s regional functions.
Scope of Application
The addendum applies to the legal status and operations of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie within Cambodia and governs the establishment and functioning of the AUF‑Asia Pacific regional office located in Phnom Penh. The arrangement covers AUF’s activities related to higher education, research and innovation coordination that are conducted from the regional office and its interaction with Cambodian education authorities and host institutions.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- The Royal Government of Cambodia and AUF signed an addendum to the existing headquarters agreement that affirms AUF’s authorization to operate in Cambodia and to expand its presence regionally.
- The addendum establishes an AUF‑Asia Pacific regional office in Phnom Penh, to be hosted at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.
- Signatories named in the ceremony include Professor Slim Khalbous, as AUF rector, and H.E. Sun Sovan, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
- The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport engaged in preparatory coordination with AUF for the regional office’s establishment and hosting arrangements.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The addendum formalizes AUF’s authorization to carry out higher education and research cooperation activities from a regional base in Phnom Penh, which clarifies the institutional framework for international academic partnerships in Cambodia. Cambodian universities, research centres, and international academic partners can use the regional office as a formal point of coordination for AUF‑linked programs and funding mechanisms.
Official Source
Primary announcement: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) social post (source): MoEYS Facebook post, 3 July 2026. Additional MoEYS social links provided in the post: https://linktr.ee/moeyscambodia
