Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, met in Beijing, China this afternoon with Ms. Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women for Asia and the Pacific, ahead of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, taking place from Oct. 12–14.
During the meeting, Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed appreciation to UN Women Cambodia and the regional office for their continued partnership and support in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Samdech noted that over the past three decades, Cambodia has actively implemented the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995), achieving significant progress in advancing women’s participation and leadership, particularly in education and health.
Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasised that under the visionary leadership of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister, the Royal Government has remained steadfast in fulfilling its international commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
While acknowledging significant achievements, Samdech underscored the remaining challenges, particularly the need to transform harmful social norms and stereotypes that continue to limit opportunities for women and girls. She reaffirmed the Royal Government’s strong commitment to promoting equal rights, opportunities, and participation for women in all aspects of national development.
For her part, Ms. Christine Arab commended Cambodia’s leadership and tangible progress in advancing the women’s agenda and upholding the principles of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She praised Cambodia for adopting the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, describing it as a model for the region and beyond, and noted the country’s strong efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and support women’s participation in peace and security initiatives.
Samdech Khuon Sudary also briefed Ms. Christine Arab on the recent Thai aggression and violations of the ceasefire along the Cambodian border, expressing concern for women and children affected by cross-border tensions and humanitarian crises. She emphasised that Cambodia remains committed to resolving the situation peacefully and called for the effective observance of the ceasefire, with international participation in monitoring and raising voice for peace.
In response, Ms. Christine Arab stressed that peace is the foundation of human rights and sustainable development, affirming that without peace, genuine progress cannot be achieved. She also highly valued Cambodia’s strong commitment and best practices in addressing gender-based violence and advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, as well as its continued efforts to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the national, regional, and international levels.
Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted that the National Assembly of Cambodia has been actively supporting gender-related initiatives, including the establishment of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus and the #Girl2Leader programme, which aim to promote women’s empowerment and inclusive policymaking. She added that the Mock Parliament Programme, fully supported by UN Women, has been launched to provide young women with opportunities to engage in political forums and develop leadership skills.
Ms. Christine Arab reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government, the National Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders to further advance gender equality, women’s rights, and to strengthen peace and sustainable development in Cambodia.
