AKP Phnom Penh, August 13, 2026 --

H.E. Kittisethabindit Cheam Yeap, First Vice-President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on Thursday stressed that technological innovation must be guided by ethics, safety, equity, privacy and public trust as countries harness artificial intelligence to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Delivering the closing remarks at the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH), H.E. Cheam Yeap highlighted the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), while stressing that technological innovation must support equitable access to healthcare and be guided by strong ethical and safety principles.

On behalf of Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, and on his own behalf, H.E. Cheam Yeap expressed his appreciation to all delegates for their active participation and contribution to the successful outcomes of the Forum.

H.E. Cheam Yeap stressed that UHC represents a shared responsibility to uphold human rights, human dignity and social justice, while health remains a fundamental foundation for human development and progress toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He said the Forum provided an opportunity to assess progress across the region while identifying remaining gaps and challenges. Delegates examined the growing impacts of climate change on health and health systems, as well as the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.

While recognising the potential of AI, H.E. Cheam Yeap emphasised that technological innovation must be guided by ethics, safety, equity, privacy and public trust.

He stressed that public health remains a top priority of the Royal Government under the leadership of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet with efforts to expand access to essential health services, including for displaced people and communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

The First Vice-President of Cambodian National Assembly described the Phnom Penh Communiqué, endorsed on the final day of the Forum, as a shared commitment and a call to action. Recalling the words of Samdech Khuon Sudary, he stressed: “Actions speak louder than words.”

He also highlighted the amendments to the APPF-GH Articles of Association, noting their importance in strengthening the Forum’s role and continued cooperation in promoting the health and well-being of people across the region.

H.E. Cheam Yeap urged parliamentarians to work together to advance UHC policies and laws, support sustainable and equitable financing, strengthen climate-resilient health systems, promote responsible use of AI, and ensure that vulnerable and underserved communities are not left behind.

He emphasised that parliamentarians have concrete instruments to turn these commitments into action. Through legislation, they can establish rights and safeguards; through budget approval, secure resources for primary health care and financial protection; through oversight, strengthen accountability; and through representation, bring the voices of vulnerable communities into national decision-making.

H.E. Cheam Yeap encouraged delegates to carry the “spirit of Phnom Penh” back to their respective parliaments and translate the Forum’s dialogue into laws, budgets, oversight and partnerships that bring tangible improvements to people’s daily lives.

He also called for continued learning and cooperation through the APPF-GH, stressing that health challenges cross national borders and require solidarity, cooperation and shared responsibility.

Concluding his remarks, H.E. Cheam Yeap called for responsible leadership and parliamentary solidarity to build health systems that are more equitable, resilient and prepared for the challenges of a changing climate and digital age.

“May the spirit of Phnom Penh continue to inspire our work, strengthen our cooperation, and guide our collective efforts to ensure that no one is left behind on the path toward universal health coverage,” he said.

H.E. Cheam Yeap then officially declared the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health closed, bringing the three-day regional gathering in Phnom Penh to a conclusion.

AKP-National Assembly