AKP Phnom Penh, July 29, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, delivered an insightful intervention during the 2nd session, titled “Emerging Challenges to Inclusive and Lasting Peace and the Way Forward,” at the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament, held on July 28 in Geneva, Switzerland.

As part of the Summit, Samdech Khuon Sudary participated in a Doha-style debate among women Speakers and Presidents of Parliament on the motion: Climate change is gender-neutral; it has the same impact on women and men.

Samdech spoke in agreement with the motion, a position that sparked thoughtful and respectful exchanges with several parliamentary leaders who contended that climate change disproportionately affects women, particularly in vulnerable and marginalized communities.

In her intervention, Samdech Khuon Sudary emphasised that climate change poses a serious threat to peace, security, and human development, stating:

“While the climate may be neutral, the world we live in is not. The impacts of climate change are filtered through the deep-rooted inequalities that shape our societies — including gender,” she said. 

She pointed out that women and girls are often more exposed to climate-related risks and burdens, particularly during crises. These include financial instability, reproductive health challenges, displacement, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and decision-making power.

Citing the Gender Snapshot 2024 report, Samdeh warned that if no effective action is taken, climate change could push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty by 2050.

Turning to Cambodia’s own experience, Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted that the country is among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, ranking 144th out of 185 countries for vulnerability and 159th for readiness. 

She noted that rural Cambodian women, especially those working in agriculture, are disproportionately affected by floods and droughts and often lack access to the credit, land titles, and resources needed to recover and adapt.

Despite these challenges, she acknowledged the growing leadership of women in Cambodia and globally, who are confronting the climate crisis, building resilience, and helping shape national and international climate policies. She stressed that in order to enable women’s full participation, it is essential to provide access to resources, education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities.

To address these challenges and ensure inclusive, effective climate action, Samdech Khuon Sudary put forward several key recommendations:

-  Integrate gender-responsive policies into climate strategies, ensuring women have the necessary tools and resources to adapt and lead.

-  Enhance women’s leadership and participation in natural resource governance, recognising that sustainable development requires inclusive decision-making.
-  Promote international cooperation to build a future that is equitable, resilient, and inclusive.
-  Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration, acknowledging that climate challenges demand shared responsibility and coordinated action.
The debate session generated a lively and constructive exchange of perspectives, reflecting the diverse views among women parliamentary leaders on gender and climate justice. 

Samdech Khuon Sudary’s intervention reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to inclusive leadership, gender equality, and global cooperation in addressing the most urgent challenges of our time.

By Chea Vannak