Siem reap: Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, media practitioners, and all relevant stakeholders to combat the spread of fake news, said H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, during the conclusion of the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap provincial city this afternoon. On this occasion, H.E. Minister also declared the launch of the Angkor Initiative 2.0.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the declaration reflects Cambodia's national priorities and collective aspirations to reaffirm its role as a proactive and responsible partner in advancing trustworthy media practices and combating the spread of fake news. H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasized the importance of media integrity, responsible innovation, editorial independence, and evidence-based public discourse in addressing these challenges.
The Angkor Declaration Against Fake News 2.0 is described by H.E. Neth Pheaktra as not just a renewal but a reinvention. It marks a bold new chapter in the regional journey toward truth, trust, and digital resilience. The declaration builds upon the foundation laid by the original Angkor Declaration adopted during the 16th Asia Media Summit in 2019, which was the first regional consensus in Asia to combat disinformation and fake news, emphasizing international cooperation, capacity-building, and responsible digital citizenship.
H.E. Minister highlighted Cambodia's active role in this initiative, stating that the Angkor platform is not just symbolic but a working mechanism for regional media resilience. He stressed Cambodia's leadership in moving from a victim of disinformation to a vanguard of regional truth-building, underlining the country's historical and ongoing efforts in this domain.
The legacy of leadership in this area has been firmly established by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, who prioritized the fight against fake news. Under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia continues to champion information integrity through innovation, legal reform, and strategic partnerships.
According to H.E. Neth Pheaktra, information diplomacy is a strategic initiative of the Ministry of Information, aimed at strengthening regional and international cooperation in the fight against fake news and disinformation. In today's world, where narratives shape geopolitics, information diplomacy is viewed as a critical soft-power strategy, positioning Cambodia as a guardian of national credibility and a regional convener of dialogue and cooperation.