PHNOM PENH, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has made significant strides in boosting human development, said a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report released here on Thursday.
Since 1990, life expectancy in Cambodia has increased by 15.46 years, expected years of schooling by 4.31 years, and mean years of schooling by 2.38 years, said the 2025 Human Development Report.
The report added that the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita has surged by approximately 307.7 percent.
It added that the Human Development Index (HDI) value stood at 0.606 in 2023, a modest rise from 0.602 in 2022, placing Cambodia in the Medium Human Development category and ranking it 151 out of 193 countries and territories.
The HDI measures health, education, and income achievements.
The report also presented findings from a new global survey, which found that in low- and medium-HDI countries like Cambodia, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to increase productivity and to be used in education, health, or work within the next year.
Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth said Cambodia is one of the few Least Developed Countries (LDCs) taking active steps to formulate a comprehensive National AI Strategy.
"This strategy aims to provide a structured and people-centered approach to harness AI for inclusive economic growth, responsive governance, and long-term human development," he said at the report's launch event.
Alissar Chaker, resident representative of UNDP in Cambodia, said as AI rapidly evolves and penetrates daily lives, people must explore its potential to drive sustainable development in Cambodia. ■
