Phnom penh: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has underscored that literacy is the foundation for improving the quality of inclusive education and developing the knowledge and skills needed to live and work in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a message marking the 26th National Literacy Day on Sept. 8, 2026, the Prime Minister said literacy in the 21st century goes beyond the ability to read, write and perform basic calculations. "It also encompasses the ability to use information, think critically, solve problems, develop digital literacy, and become global and digital citizens," he said. This year's National Literacy Day is being celebrated under the theme 'Literacy Promotes Quality of Inclusive Education,' which highlights the importance of literacy programmes in developing foundational knowledge and professional skills. The Prime Minister said the theme is also consistent with Cambodia's national development goals and its commitmen t to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Under the Royal Government's Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1, people have been identified as the top priority, with efforts focused on improving education quality, promoting literacy, developing skills and expanding lifelong learning opportunities. The government aims to ensure that children, out-of-school youth, workers, factory workers and adults - including those in rural and disadvantaged areas, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups - have equal access to education without discrimination. The Prime Minister described literacy promotion as one of the most valuable investments in people, saying that providing citizens with knowledge and skills enables them to participate more actively in social, economic and cultural activities while accessing lifelong learning opportunities. He said stronger literacy and education would contribute to poverty reduction, higher labour productivity, improved family wellbeing and the development of a more equitable, resilient, innovative, inclusive and sustainable knowledge-based society. Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also commended the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport for its education reforms and efforts to promote inclusive education and cultivate good citizenship and patriotism. The Ministry has continued reforms in areas including school governance, model schools, teacher capacity development and examination reform, while accelerating digital transformation in education. These efforts include promoting digital technology in science and technology learning, strengthening STEM education, foreign-language learning, 21st-century skills, digital education, technical education and lifelong learning opportunities. The government has also supported literacy and education programmes for vulnerable children and adults, including multilingual literacy pr ogrammes for indigenous adults through non-formal education and multilingual education for indigenous children through the formal education system. The multilingual programmes include the development of writing systems for the indigenous languages of Tampuan, Kreung, Brao, Kavet, Bunong and Jarai, with curricula and learning materials linked to national education standards while reflecting the traditions, customs and cultures of respective indigenous communities. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has also placed particular emphasis on expanding educational opportunities for persons with disabilities and those with special needs through inclusive and special education, teacher training, improved learning environments and appropriate educational materials. The use of sign language, Braille and other assistive devices is also being promoted to ensure that no child, young person or other learner is prevented from accessing education because of disability or special needs.