SIEM REAP, Cambodia on Monday opened the 23rd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM), bringing together senior civil service officials from ASEAN member states and partner countries to strengthen regional cooperation and promote innovation in public administration under the theme "Innovation for Better Service Delivery."

The regional meetings, held in Siem Reap from Aug. 3 to 5, are taking place under Cambodia's 2024–2026 rotating chairmanship of the ACCSM and include the 23rd ACCSM, the 8th ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters Plus Three (ACCSM+3), and related events.

The opening session was chaired by Mr. Yok Bunna, Permanent Secretary of State at Cambodia's Ministry of Civil Service, with participation from senior ACCSM officials, ASEAN civil service focal points, representatives of the ASEAN Secretariat, and delegations from all ASEAN member states.

Opening the meeting, Yok Bunna led discussions on key policy documents, progress reports, and agenda items in preparation for the ministerial meetings scheduled later this week.

"This important regional meeting aims to strengthen cooperation, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and promote innovation in civil service management among ASEAN member states and partner countries in order to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery for our people," Mr. Yok Bunna said.

He said the discussions among senior officials would help coordinate regional priorities and ensure that the ministerial meetings produce practical outcomes that support public sector modernization across Southeast Asia.

According to Cambodia's Ministry of Civil Service, the meetings are designed to encourage ASEAN members and partner countries to share knowledge, experiences, innovations and best practices in public administration while strengthening regional cooperation in civil service development.

The ministry said this year's theme, "Innovation for Better Service Delivery," was chosen to promote innovative approaches to public administration, improve implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Public Service Delivery, and encourage reforms that enhance the quality, accessibility and efficiency of public services.

The meetings also support implementation of the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters Work Plan 2021–2025, which seeks to build "a high-performing, dynamic and citizen-centric civil service for the people of ASEAN." Officials said the initiative also contributes to the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The ministry said high-quality, efficient and effective public services remain essential to strengthening public confidence in government while supporting peace, stability and sustainable socio-economic development. It added that public institutions must continue embracing innovation and modern administrative practices to respond to citizens' evolving needs and rapid technological change.

The ACCSM mechanism traces its origins to the ASEAN Conference of Reforms in the Civil Service, established in 1980, while the first ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters was held in the Philippines in 1981. In 2015, ASEAN officially renamed the mechanism as the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) to reflect its broader emphasis on regional cooperation.

In addition to cooperation among ASEAN's 10 member states, the ACCSM+3 framework includes China, Japan and South Korea, while Australia, Canada and India participate in selected initiatives as ASEAN dialogue partners.

Cambodia joined the ACCSM mechanism in 2001, two years after becoming an ASEAN member, and first assumed the rotating chairmanship during the 2005–2006 term. The country accepted the current 2024–2026 chairmanship during the 22nd ACCSM and 7th ACCSM+3 meetings held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, in August 2024, when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service Hun Many formally received the rotating presidency on behalf of Cambodia.

The ACCSM chairmanship rotates every two years among ASEAN member states in alphabetical order. Cambodian officials said hosting this year's meetings underscores the country's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting a more innovative, responsive and citizen-centered public administration across ASEAN.