Background
The National Archives and the National Library function as core cultural institutions that preserve documentary heritage and enable research, education, and public access to state records. The National Archives and the National Library are state institutions responsible for preserving official records, maintaining the national documentary heritage, and supporting research and human-resource development.
Royal Government Decision No. 42 dated 2 April 2026 created an inter-ministerial committee to steer work on harmonization and modernization of the two institutions and to prepare policy frameworks, strategic plans, and a master plan for modernization. The committee’s mandate includes reviewing existing collections, proposing detailed modernization measures, and organizing technical arrangements to meet international standards.
Key Developments
On 23 June 2026 Deputy Prime Minister Vongsey Vissoth chaired the committee’s first meeting as established under the April decision. The meeting included Minister of State Cheam Kith Rithy and Professor Phueung Sakuna in vice-chair roles, together with relevant ministry officials and technical staff.
Participants agreed to form a technical working group to prepare terms of reference for a technical advisory council composed of Cambodian and foreign experts. The committee instructed preparatory work for a centenary exhibition of the National Archives, planned to coincide with Cambodia’s hosting of the 2026 Francophonie summit, and noted the exhibition as an opportunity to present Cambodian culture, history, and archival development to international visitors.
Institutional Role
The Office of the Council of Ministers is acting as the coordinating anchor for the inter-ministerial committee and will facilitate cross-ministerial collaboration required to produce policy frameworks and implementation plans. The committee’s scope covers institutional harmonization between the National Archives and the National Library, including governance, staffing, and resource allocation needed for modernization.
Operational Implications
Meeting guidance highlighted concrete priorities for implementation: preparing strategic and master plans to international standards, investing in human resources, securing financing, upgrading physical infrastructure, and equipping and preserving existing and newly acquired collections. A technical roadmap and advisory inputs from domestic and international specialists are to inform how modernization investments are sequenced to achieve operational continuity and long-term sustainability.
Source
Office of the Council of Ministers Facebook post, 23 June 2026: https://www.facebook.com/ocmcambodia/posts/pfbid0WvUzyhcWqs6dEkdd3KTeQy6UFT1GigyghPXLr7ejbdNpNDY5VURD2N14PzGC4HXDl
