Siem reap: Cambodia has proposed the creation of an AMS Regional Working Group on Information Integrity, tasked with developing guidelines, fostering cooperation, and preparing a collective roadmap to be reviewed at the 21st Asia Media Summit. "This mechanism would ensure our commitments become action, and our action becomes impact," underlined Cambodian Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra at the conclusion of the 20th Asia Media Summit in Siem Reap province this afternoon.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian Minister emphasized the importance of building regional fact-checking alliances, promoting cross-border capacity building, and uniting against the manipulation of truth. He stressed the need for media to inform rather than mislead citizens, irrespective of their location. The conversations at this year's summit highlighted that fake news poses a substantial threat to social cohesion, public health, peace, stability, and democratic processes. The Minister pointed out the necessity for a borderless solution based on solidarity, coordination, and collective action due to the transnational nature of the challenge.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra also highlighted Cambodia's commitment to addressing this issue, exemplified by the national campaign "Say No to Fake News," launched in April. This multi-stakeholder initiative aims to educate the public, train media professionals, empower youth, and enhance the credibility of information. He expressed Cambodia's willingness to collaborate with fellow AMS member states to promote regional cooperation using this model.
The 21st Asia Media Summit is scheduled to be hosted by the Republic of Maldives in 2026.