AKP Phnom Penh, April 08, 2026 --

Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on April 7 called on all stakeholders at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, to act with a strong sense of responsibility in addressing global health impacts.

Speaking during a panel discussion on “Communicable Diseases,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that the time has come to transform momentum gained from past efforts into lasting impact in tackling pandemics.

“Together, we must scale up collaboration, strengthen preparedness, secure sustainable financing, and place equity at the core of the One Health approach,” he underlined.

Samdech Thipadei added that such efforts would help translate today’s progress into global resilience, benefiting people, animals, and ecosystems worldwide.

He encouraged participants to further advance regional and global cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and technology among governments, scientists, civil society, and communities.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of integrated surveillance and early warning systems, urging continued efforts to harmonise standards, expand genomic sequencing, and ensure rapid response mechanisms.

On sustainable financing and innovation, he called for the mobilisation of long-term international funding mechanisms, increased domestic investment, and the strengthening of public-private partnerships.

Samdech Thipadei further urged the promotion of responsible antibiotic use, enhanced monitoring and regulatory reform, and the integration of climate safeguards into health and agricultural policies.

On promoting knowledge, equity, and preparedness, he highlighted the need for evidence-based policymaking, investment in laboratories and workforce development, equitable access to life-saving tools, and greater community awareness.

The One Health Summit 2026 officially opened on April 7 with a high-level segment, coinciding with World Health Day.

Hosted by the French government as one of the flagship events of its G7 Presidency, the summit brought together heads of state and government, international organisations, scientists, civil society, youth, and local actors to advance global action on the One Health agenda.

The event underscored the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, as well as the need for coordinated, science-based approaches to address shared health threats.

It also highlighted the Quadripartite partnership among FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH, along with the role of the WHO Academy and WHO’s work at country, regional, and global levels.

With WHO assuming the Chair of the Quadripartite on April 8, 2026, the summit marked a key moment to translate political commitments into concrete, multisectoral action on prevention, preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable food systems, and environmental health—helping to build more resilient and equitable health systems for people, animals, and the planet.

By Heng Panha