AKP Phnom Penh, June 25, 2026 --

A high-level consultative workshop was convened in Kampot City, Kampot province on June 24, to review and refine Kampot city's official application for the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The opening ceremony was presided over by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and Mr. Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia.

The session brought together a diverse coalition of representatives, including H.E. Ms. Pen Mony Makara, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, and H.E. Mao Thonin, Governor of Kampot province, alongside representatives from relevant public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organisations.

This consultation workshop was organised for the purpose of reviewing and refining the content of the draft document of Kampot city to be accurate, clear, and comprehensive in accordance with the criteria of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Additionally, the workshop also provided a forum for all stakeholders to provide comments, input, and recommendations to strengthen the quality of the document before it is officially submitted to UNESCO in the near future.

Established in 2004, UCCN promotes cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.

Battambang is the first and only Cambodian city designated to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Inducted in 2023, it was recognised in the field of Gastronomy for its rich culinary traditions, unique local dishes, and commitment to sustainable urban development.

By Chea Vannak