From 31 October to 2 November 2025, AEON Mall Meanchey hosted the “Together Action for SDGs” event, bringing together organizations, youth networks, and community groups committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among them, the One Book One Community (OBOC) volunteer team proudly took part—showcasing how reading, learning, and library development play a transformative role in sustainable development.

OBOC’s Mission at the Event

With a vibrant booth designed to attract children, youth, and families, the OBOC team presented its continuing mission: to cultivate a culture of reading, strengthen community libraries, and promote lifelong learning for all Cambodians. Volunteers engaged visitors through book displays, reading activities, informational materials, and discussions highlighting how libraries are essential partners in achieving global sustainability goals.

Their participation emphasized that reading is not just a skill—it is a foundation for empowered citizens, informed communities, and peaceful, inclusive societies.

Highlighting the Role of Libraries in SDG Achievement

📘 SDG 4: Quality Education

Libraries are cornerstones of inclusive, equitable, and quality education.

At the event, the OBOC team illustrated how libraries:

- Provide free and accessible learning spaces for children, youth, and adults

- Support literacy development through storybooks, learning materials, and community reading programs

- Serve as safe environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and academic growth

- Promote lifelong learning—far beyond the walls of schools

By strengthening libraries, communities can ensure that no learner is left behind, especially those in rural or underserved areas.

🕊️ SDG 16.10: Public Access to Information & Fundamental Freedoms

OBOC volunteers also highlighted libraries as vital defenders of access to information, a core element of peaceful and inclusive societies.

Libraries play a key role in SDG 16.10 by:

- Offering free access to books, digital resources, and knowledge

- Providing reliable sources of information in an era of misinformation

- Supporting civic engagement and community participation

- Empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their lives, rights, and communities

Through their booth, OBOC demonstrated that libraries are not only places for reading—they are gateways to rights, information, and freedom of expression.

🤝 SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The OBOC team’s presence at this multi-stakeholder event underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving the SDGs.

Libraries thrive when communities, schools, government institutions, NGOs, and volunteers work together.

OBOC promotes SDG 17 by:

- Building partnerships with local schools, community centers, and youth groups

- Mobilizing volunteers to support reading and literacy campaigns

- Collaborating with national and international organizations to strengthen library networks

- Sharing knowledge and resources to expand the reach of educational services

The event was an opportunity for OBOC to connect with new partners and reaffirm that meaningful change happens only when we work hand-in-hand.

Inspiring a Reading Culture for a Sustainable Future

The involvement of the OBOC volunteer team at the “Together Action for SDGs” event served as a reminder that books and libraries are powerful tools for building a better world.

By nurturing young minds, promoting accessible information, and fostering collaboration, libraries actively contribute to sustainable development across multiple SDGs.

As Cambodia continues its journey toward the 2030 Agenda, OBOC remains committed to empowering communities through reading—one book, one reader, and one library at a time.