Geneva: A high-level parliamentary delegation of Cambodia, led by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, concluded its participation in the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament on Thursday in Switzerland. The conference, held from July 29 to 31 at the United Nations Office at Geneva, brought together speakers of parliament and high-level representatives from more than 120 countries, and concluded with the adoption of a high-level declaration reaffirming the importance of peace, justice, and sustainable development for people around the world.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the declaration called for full respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the protection of human rights. Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the importance of international law, respect for the United Nations Charter, the promotion of open and inclusive multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Delegates underscored the need to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national strategies and budgets, and emphasised the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and digital threats. The declaration called for a shift toward a people-centred economic model grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and solidarity, and stressed the importance of promoting gender equality in all sectors.
Delegates further emphasised the need to empower youth and harness their potential to contribute to global solutions. The ethical governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, was also highlighted as a priority area. The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is convened every five years by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with the United Nations, serving as the highest-level platform for parliamentary engagement in global governance.
Samdech Khuon Sudary also took part in the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, held ahead of the main conference, where she engaged in discussions on inclusive leadership and gender-responsive governance. Following the successful completion of this high-level diplomatic mission, the Cambodian parliamentary delegation is scheduled to return to the Kingdom on the afternoon of Aug. 2, 2025.