Phnom penh: As the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC-2) concluded this afternoon, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, expressed her hope that the conference would contribute to strengthening peace and shared prosperity around the world.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, during the closing ceremony of ISC-2, hosted by Cambodia in Phnom Penh from Aug. 26 to 28, Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the significant role of dialogue, mutual respect, and trust in resolving differences and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. The conference, held under the theme 'Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,' gathered parliamentary leaders to discuss enhancing international cooperation and addressing global challenges.
She emphasized the critical global situation marked by geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, territorial disputes, climate change, pandemics, and various forms of insecurity. She noted that no single country can tackle these issues independently, urging nations to foster trust and collaborate by strengthening international rules, norms, and institutions, and developing effective preventive diplomacy mechanisms.
The Cambodian parliamentary leader also reiterated the importance of rejecting the 'rule of the jungle' and the idea that 'might is right.' She stressed the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering confidence, promoting shared norms, bridging geopolitical divides, and contributing to a multilateral system that is open, inclusive, and effective.
Samdech Khuon Sudary further emphasized the inseparable link between lasting peace and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of climate action, economic resilience, poverty reduction, and inclusive development in addressing instability's root causes. She advocated for closer coordination between executive and legislative bodies to turn political commitments into practical outcomes.
She highlighted a proposal by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, to establish an international network of eminent parliamentary mediators. This proposed network could complement existing mediation mechanisms and help translate shared political commitments into practical actions.
As a nation committed to peace, Cambodia has consistently championed respect for international law, particularly the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Samdech Khuon Sudary stressed that the use of force to change international boundaries should never be accepted, insisting that this principle must remain central to collective peace-preserving efforts.
In conclusion, she congratulated the Senate of the Republic of Indonesia for assuming the chairmanship of the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in 2027. She urged delegates to advance the spirit of Phnom Penh through concrete actions, encouraging parliamentarians to build bridges, prioritize dialogue over confrontation, uphold international law, and work collectively towards a world characterized by shared peace and prosperity.