Cambodia Boosts Labour Policy Capacity with ILO-Supported Evidence-Based Training

In a concerted effort to respond to the evolving complexities of Cambodia’s labour market, a five-day training course jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) has significantly advanced the capacity of Cambodian policymakers, employers, and workers' representatives. Held from May 5 to 9, 2025, the training brought together 38 key stakeholders from various institutions to strengthen their practical skills in designing inclusive, evidence-informed labour policies.

Grounding Labour Policy in Data and Evidence

The training focused on building competencies in leveraging data, applying research methodologies, and developing actionable labour policy recommendations. Participants were introduced to advanced analytical tools and techniques aimed at fostering a nuanced understanding of Cambodia’s labour issues, such as widespread informality, wage disparity, gaps in social protection coverage, and migrant worker vulnerabilities.

“This training underscores the importance of grounding policy in credible evidence to ensure meaningful and sustainable progress in the world of work,” stated Som Chamnan, Secretary of State at the MLVT, during the opening ceremony. He spoke on behalf of Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, and highlighted the strategic partnership between the MLVT and ILO as a catalyst for informed and impactful policymaking.

ILO’s Expertise in Facilitating Practical Learning

Naren Prasad, Head of Education and Training at the ILO’s Research Department in Geneva, led the training as the principal facilitator. Emphasizing the practical approach of the program, Prasad noted, “Effective policymaking starts with credible evidence. This programme equips policymakers with the skills they need to design practical solutions that make a real impact—whether in setting fair wages, safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, or expanding access to decent work.”

The programme’s structure merged theoretical foundations with applied learning. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants engaged in real-time data analysis, group discussions, and case study exercises. They explored pressing topics such as the informal economy, labour migration trends, wage policy development, occupational safety, and mechanisms for promoting inclusive social dialogue.

Collaborative Policy Development and Peer Learning

A key component of the training was the development of individual policy briefs. Each participant produced a tailored brief addressing a national labour market issue, enabling peer review and cross-institutional dialogue. These briefs served as practical outputs that can directly inform ongoing policy formulation within various governmental departments and stakeholders' networks.

According to Ken Chamuva Shawa, Head of the ILO Regional Economic and Social Analysis Unit for Asia and the Pacific, the training aligns with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable labour practices. “This training is both timely and transformative,” he said. “As Cambodia works to expand social protection and improve working conditions, building the capacity of policymakers to use solid evidence is critical to ensuring that reforms are both effective and inclusive.”

A Step Forward in Labour Governance Reform

The initiative marks a significant milestone in Cambodia’s journey towards achieving decent work for all and meeting the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. The participants’ newly acquired skills are expected to feed directly into upcoming national policy dialogues, legislative reforms, and institutional development strategies.

The ILO and MLVT have reiterated their commitment to continuing collaboration on capacity-building efforts, with plans to expand the training to regional and local levels. This is part of a broader strategy to institutionalise evidence-based policymaking as a norm across Cambodia’s labour governance landscape.