The 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) officially opened on Thursday morning at the GDT Convention Centre in Phnom Penh, bringing together parliamentary leaders and representatives from around the world under a strong call for peace, solidarity and shared prosperity.
The conference is being held under the theme “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” with a focus on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation in addressing global and regional challenges.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia. Also in attendance were Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia; Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly; and H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Founding Chairman of the ISC and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, among other distinguished guests.
In a Royal Message delivered on the occasion, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, warmly welcomed the Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments, parliamentary delegations, distinguished guests and representatives attending the conference in Phnom Penh.
His Majesty highlighted the significance of the conference theme, particularly at a time when the international community is facing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, declining trust and increasingly complex traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
The Royal Message also underscored the symbolic significance of Phnom Penh as the venue for ISC-2. The historic city of Chaktomuk, located at the confluence of the Four Rivers, represents the coming together of different peoples, cultures and political traditions while preserving their identities and pursuing common goals.
Drawing on Cambodia’s own experience of overcoming war and division, His Majesty emphasised that lasting peace must be built through political courage, dialogue, trust, reconciliation and respect for the rule of law.
Cambodia’s hard-won peace and stability have enabled the Kingdom to contribute more actively to regional and international cooperation, including through parliamentary diplomacy, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and mine action, His Majesty noted.
The King called for solidarity among nations to be translated into practical cooperation based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and adherence to international law.
His Majesty also highlighted the important role of parliaments in promoting dialogue, accountability, conflict prevention and trust among nations, while reaffirming international law as an essential framework for protecting the sovereignty, equality and security of all States, regardless of their size.
His Majesty expressed confidence that ISC-2 and the forthcoming Phnom Penh Declaration would make a meaningful contribution to peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, peaceful settlement of disputes and stronger international cooperation.
Cambodia is hosting ISC-2 from Aug. 26 to 28, bringing together Speakers of Parliament, representatives of parliamentary speakers, heads of inter-parliamentary organisations, relevant international organisations and parliamentary delegations from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and Latin America.
