AKP Siem Reap, June 16, 2026 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls across all priority sectors as part of the country’s long-term national development agenda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the 42nd Annual Meeting of The Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) in Siem Reap province on June 16, Samdech Thipadei said Cambodia continues to place gender equality and women’s empowerment at the centre of its policy agenda and the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, guided by the principle that “women are the backbone” of a civilised, ethical, equitable and inclusive society.

The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s continued investment in expanding opportunities for women and girls in the areas of economy, education, health and public leadership to maximise gender dividends, strengthen women’s decision-making capacity, reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence, and promote stronger intergenerational connections.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia recognises women not only as beneficiaries of peace but also as essential actors in building and sustaining peace at the family, community, national and international levels.

He noted that Cambodia has gained international recognition for its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions through the deployment of female peacekeepers. Between 2006 and 2025, Cambodia deployed 10,447 peacekeepers, including 990 women, to missions in 10 countries.

The Premier reiterated that the Royal Government continues to prioritise human capital development, education, health promotion, social welfare and creating opportunities for women and youth to contribute to national development.

“We believe that a girl who receives quality education, lives safely, has confidence, and is given opportunities to participate in society can transform not only her own life but also her family, community and country,” he said.

Addressing the role of the Girl Guide movement, Samdech Thipadei described it as more than a youth activity programme, calling it an important platform for nurturing discipline, leadership, volunteerism, teamwork, responsibility, courage and compassion.

He said the movement demonstrates that leadership can begin with simple actions such as helping others, respecting discipline, serving communities, protecting the environment, supporting vulnerable people and contributing to social harmony.

“From girls who serve their communities to women who lead, empowering women means strengthening the nation and building a stronger future for the world,” he stated.

Cambodia also joined the international community in reaffirming that girls and young women are not waiting for the future but are actively shaping it starting today, he added.

Samdech Thipadei commended WAGGGS for its continued mission to support girls and young women worldwide in becoming active, responsible and capable citizens, and praised The Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) for mobilising supporters and partners to sustain the global Girl Guiding movement.

He also expressed support for the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia, led by Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, for expanding opportunities for Cambodian girls and young women in education, training, community service and international engagement.

Cambodia is hosting the 39th WAGGGS World Conference and 42nd Annual OB-PS Meeting in Siem Reap province from June 14 to 19, 2026, under the theme “We See, We Care, We Act.”

By C. Nika