AKP Phnom Penh, November 14, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has called for strengthened national unity, resilience, and greater support for women and girls in leadership as the country faces increasing threats and global uncertainty.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Forum on “Women in Leadership and Governance” under the theme “Women and Girls’ Leadership for All” held on Nov. 14 at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel, Samdech Khuon Sudary said that amid external pressures and unpredictable developments, all Cambodians should unite behind the Royal Government led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to safeguard peace, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

She emphasised that reinforcing unity and resilience is essential to transform challenges into opportunities and to strengthen Cambodia’s economic sovereignty and long-term stability.

“When Khmers are united, Khmers are strong and resilient, able to move forward with confidence and hope,” she said.

Samdech Khuon Sudary urged stronger preparedness to cope with emerging global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, post-pandemic economic shifts, and digital transformation, which continue to impact societies, particularly women and children.

She noted that harmful social norms still prevent women and girls from realising their full potential and that women’s heavy and often unrecognised domestic and caregiving roles remain major barriers to their participation in leadership and decision-making.

To advance gender equality, women’s empowerment, and national resilience, Samdech Khuon Sudary outlined six key recommendations:

1.  Strengthen policy and legal frameworks to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 30+ and the UNSDGs 2030, ensuring that “no one is left behind.”

2.  Implement the Neary Rattanak VI Strategic Plan and expand gender mainstreaming across all sectors and levels of governance.

3.  Promote safe, respectful, and inclusive environments in workplaces and communities while addressing the burden of unpaid care work that limits women’s opportunities.

4.  Expand capacity-building programs for women and girls through professional, technical, and soft skills training, leadership development, digital literacy, and the safe use of artificial intelligence.

5.  Increase public awareness campaigns to change negative social attitudes and encourage men and boys to support women’s leadership at all levels.

6.  Build confidence and solidarity among women and girls, encouraging them to become role models and amplifying their voices to promote social harmony and equitable development.

Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed confidence that through the Royal Government’s continued policies and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, Cambodia will achieve its national goal of empowering women and girls in leadership.

“Developing women’s and girls’ leadership is not only a women’s issue, but a national cause that strengthens families, communities, and the entire nation,” she said.

By Chea Vannak