AKP Phnom Penh, November 14, 2025 -- Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Friday presided over the opening ceremony of the National Forum on “Women in Leadership and Governance,” held under the theme “Women and Girls’ Leadership for All” at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

The forum, attended by more than 2,400 participants both in person and online, was organised by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with development partners and relevant institutions. 

It aimed to enhance women’s representation in leadership, promote solidarity among women leaders, and encourage inclusive participation in national governance.

In her keynote address, Samdech Khuon Sudary commended the Royal Government’s continued commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, emphasising that women’s participation in the leadership is vital for innovative governance, sustainable development, and social resilience.

“Investing in women and girls is a wise and indispensable investment for the nation,” she said. 

Samdech Khuon Sudary paid tribute to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, for his historic leadership as the Father of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and lauded his enduring efforts in securing peace and national stability through the Win-Win Policy.

She also praised the Royal Government of the 7th Legislature of National Assembly, under the leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, for its firm dedication to building a just, ethical, and inclusive society centered on women. 

Samdech Khuon Sudary reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 30+, stressing that women’s rights are human rights and that peace is the foundation of all progress.

“Without peace, there is nothing — no gender equality, no development, only suffering and loss,” she underlined.

On behalf of the National Assembly and the forum, Samdech Khuon Sudary strongly condemned the recent shooting by Thai soldiers against Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, on Nov. 12, 2025, which left one person dead and several injured. 

She denounced the incident as “a brutal and inhumane act that gravely violates Cambodia’s sovereignty, international law, the UN Charter, and the ASEAN Charter,” and called on the international community to hold Thailand fully accountable.

At the same time, Samdech Khuon Sudary urged all stakeholders to work together to address pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, post-pandemic recovery, and digital transformation, which disproportionately affect women and children. She further pointed out that persistent harmful social norms continue to hinder women’s full participation in leadership and decision-making roles.

Reaffirming her confidence in the Royal Government’s gender policies, she concluded, “the development of women’s and girls’ leadership is not only a women’s issue, but a national cause that benefits all, families, communities, and the entire nation.”

By Chea Vannak