AKP Phnom Penh, August 28, 2026 --

The speakers, senators, and representatives of the parliament from 26 nations in different regions of the world and five international organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to international law, peaceful settlement of disputes and stronger parliamentary diplomacy as they adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration at the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2).

According to the Declaration, adopted at the three-day conference in Phnom Penh from Aug. 26 to 28, this event was held amid growing global challenges, including armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, disrupted trade flows, climate change, food and energy insecurity, technological and cyber threats, humanitarian crises and widening inequalities.

In the Declaration, the participants reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, as well as the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs.
They stressed the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

The Declaration further highlighted the indispensable role of parliaments in promoting dialogue, peace, security, sustainable development and democratic principles in international relations.

They committed to upholding international law and promoting respect for international legal obligations.

They also pledged to support the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, consultation, negotiation, mediation and other peaceful means, while reinforcing multilateralism as a foundation for international peace, security, stability, development and prosperity.

Furthermore, the Declaration recognised parliamentary diplomacy as an important instrument for confidence-building, conflict prevention, dialogue, reconciliation and international cooperation.

Parliamentary leaders also called for greater support for preventive diplomacy and peaceful measures capable of addressing tensions before they escalate into conflict.

The ISC-2 participants additionally committed to closer cooperation among parliaments in addressing common regional and global challenges, underscoring the role of parliamentary cooperation in contributing to a more peaceful, stable and cooperative world.

By Heng Panha