In brief
On Sunday, over 5,000 runners took to the Bakong Temple grounds in Angkor Park for a World Children’s Day fun run. The event featured 3‑km and 10‑km routes and educational sessions on climate, online safety, mental health, and civic engagement. UNICEF’s Maha Damaj highlighted the need to protect children worldwide, while runners Mao Bilita and Kun Sokhea urged young people to study hard and be supported by their communities.
More than 5,000 runners gathered at the Bakong Temple in Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park on Sunday, November 8, to mark World Children’s Day with a celebratory fun run.
Participants tackled both a 3‑km and a 10‑km route while listening to educational sessions that covered climate action, online safety, inclusion, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement.
Maha Damaj, UNICEF’s representative to Cambodia, said:
"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential... children must be at the center of our decisions and investments," she added, calling on communities to protect children’s rights amid economic shocks, climate crisis, and online abuse.
The event brought together government officials, local influencers, artists, families, and children, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and enthusiasm.
Mao Bilita, a 23‑year‑old runner, told Xinhua:
"I am thrilled to see children coming together at this fun run to promote children's rights," she said, adding, "My message to children around the world is that there will always be people who listen to you, seek to understand you, and support you."
24‑year‑old runner Kun Sokhea echoed a similar sentiment, saying:
"To all Cambodian children, my message to you is: study hard, and always listen to the advice of your parents and teachers," she said.
Overall, the fun run aimed to reinforce that children’s rights, health, and education must remain at the front of local and global agendas, a theme that resonated with participants across the park.
