GENEVA (AKP) — Cambodia has thrown its full support behind the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) push for human-centric artificial intelligence, with Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Heng Suor, declaring that technology must enhance human potential rather than eliminate livelihoods.
Speaking at the plenary session of the 114th International Labour Conference on June 9, 2026, Minister Heng Suor addressed the annual report of the ILO Director-General, themed “Time to choose: harnessing artificial intelligence for decent work.” The Minister emphasized that while AI offers immense opportunities, it fundamentally alters global labor markets and requires rigid regulatory oversight.
“AI is not only bringing new technologies, but is transforming production systems, labor markets, and business models,” H.E. Heng Suor stated. He warned that the rapid evolution of technology “can also pose risks to the protection of personal data and intellectual property if the legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks are not strong enough.”
Throughout his intervention, Minister Heng Suor repeatedly championed a “people-centered” future for the global workforce, striking a chord with the attending tripartite delegation of government, employer, and worker representatives.
“Technological progress must go hand in hand with human progress, with AI being there to enhance human capabilities, not replace human work,” the Minister emphasized.
Because of this, he noted that Cambodia fully aligns with the ILO’s stance that navigating the digital transition requires robust institutions, active social dialogue, and heavy investment in human capital.
For Cambodia, adapting to the age of AI is being treated as an economic necessity rather than just a social policy. The country is currently acting as a leading nation in the Global Catalyst Initiative on Decent Work and Social Protection for a Just Transition.
“Investing in skills, employability, productivity, and social protection is not just a socio-political goal, but a strategic foundation for competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable economic growth,” H.E. Heng Suor explained.
To back this strategy, Cambodia is actively modernizing its training systems to inject digital capabilities into the workforce, focusing heavily on youth, lifelong learning, and reskilling.
The Minister also highlighted Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to transition workers from the informal to the formal economy, improve working conditions, and expand sustainable social protection systems.
Concluding his address, the Minister expressed deep gratitude to the ILO for its partnership and reiterated Cambodia’s readiness to collaborate on a global scale.
“Cambodia is ready to work closely with the ILO, governments, employers, workers, and development partners to ensure that AI helps build a future of work that is innovative, adaptive, resilient, decent work and based on a strong foundation of human dignity and social justice.”