Phnom Penh: Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, outlined a six-point vision to strengthen national commitment to inclusive and sustainable development at the opening of the high-level parliamentary workshop held on May 12 at the National Assembly Palace.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the workshop, titled 'Understanding the Cambodia Strategic Framework 2024-2030: Accelerating the Implementation of ICPD-PoA,' convened approximately 300 prominent figures from the Senate, the National Assembly, the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Secretariat-General of the National Assembly, and international organizations.
In her opening address, the National Assembly President emphasized the need for decisive, coordinated, and inclusive action to advance the ICPD Programme of Action, presenting six strategic priorities. First, Samdech Khuon Sudary urged the 8th Commission and other relevant parliamentary bodies to maintain consistent oversight of laws and policies through close collaboration with the Government, particularly the Special Committee comprising ministries and institutions at both national and sub-national levels, to ensure effective implementation of the ICPD Strategic Framework.
Second, she encouraged the Ministry of Planning and the Special Committee to prioritize the regular collection and updating of population data. Reliable statistics are essential for formulating evidence-based policies, monitoring progress, and evaluating development outcomes. Third, she underscored the need to strengthen the 'dynamics of the whole-of-society' approach. She called for broader cross-sectoral dialogue and multi-level partnerships at national, regional, and global levels to accelerate progress on the ICPD Programme of Action.
Samdech Khuon Sudary stated the need to mobilize resources and apply innovation and emerging technologies to address population and development challenges while promoting people-centered governance. Fourth, she stressed that the principles of equality, justice, human rights, and human dignity must guide policy development and implementation. She emphasized the importance of empowering vulnerable populations, ensuring they benefit from economic growth and development, especially by reducing risks linked to climate change, diseases, natural disasters, and other challenges.
Fifth, Samdech called for continued momentum in promoting the national campaign 'Healthy Lives, Healthy Cambodia' to help cultivate a skilled, healthy, and ethical workforce. She noted that this is essential for fulfilling Cambodia's commitments under the ICPD Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that no one is left behind. Finally, she encouraged the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence, supported by public investment and resource mobilization, to strengthen health and care systems and improve the well-being of the aging population.
Samdech Khuon Sudary reaffirmed the National Assembly's strong commitment to advancing inclusive, rights-based development. She called for sustained collaboration among national institutions and international partners to achieve Cambodia's strategic goals under the ICPD Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.