AKP Phnom Penh, September 27, 2025 --

Peace is Cambodia’s most precious treasure, as the country has endured decades of war and genocide that traumatised its people and devastated the nation.

The remarks were made by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn in his statement during the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 27.

“This peace allowed us to rebuild from complete ruin. Before the pandemic, our economy achieved an average annual growth of around 7 percent, positioning Cambodia to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2029. Through this development, millions have been lifted out of poverty in the past decades. We are grateful for our partners who are supporting Cambodia towards smooth graduation through, among others, open and inclusive trade,” he said.

Guided by our Pentagonal Strategy, he continued, Cambodia aligns its development agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Kingdom officially launched, last year, the Roadmap to achieve the Universal Health Coverage in Cambodia by 2035 and expanded access to quality education, ensuring that Cambodian youth are equipped for a changing world. Cambodian women now hold leadership positions in government and private enterprises at unprecedented levels, strengthening the fabric of society.

“We are firmly committed to protecting and expanding the civic space and strengthening democratic governance, knowing that development and human rights are inseparable pillars of lasting peace,” H.E. Prak Sokhonn underlined.

On climate action, he pointed out, one of humanity’s greatest collective tests, Cambodia has submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC; last June, the country signed the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and already deposited its ratification instrument earlier this month. These steps reflect its belief that environmental stewardship is a global duty and a moral imperative.

Cambodian top diplomat added that with the complete peace at home, Cambodia has been able to offer its humble contribution to peace building and peace keeping around the world. From a country once hosting UN peacekeeping mission, Cambodia has become a steadfast contributor to global security.

Since 2006, Cambodia has deployed over 10,000 peacekeepers—more than 800 of them women—to ten UN missions across the globe. They have protected civilians, cleared landmines, and support rebuilding war-torn communities. “We are currently an active member of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, helping nations emerging from conflict to build institutions and foster reconciliation,” stressed H.E. Prak Sokhonn.

By C. Nika