AKP Phnom Penh, August 28, 2026 -- As the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) concluded this afternoon, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, expressed her hope that the conference would contribute to strengthening peace and shared prosperity around the world.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of ISC-2, hosted by Cambodia in Phnom Penh from Aug. 26 to 28, Samdech Khuon Sudary said the conference had demonstrated the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and trust in addressing differences and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“Held under the theme ‘Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,’ the conference brought together parliamentary leaders to discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation and address emerging global challenges,” she underlined.

The world is at a critical and increasingly dangerous juncture, facing geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts and territorial and sovereignty disputes, as well as a range of other challenges, including climate change, pandemics, water, energy and food insecurity, cybercrime and online scams, she said.

“No country can address these challenges alone,” she stressed, underscoring the need for countries to think, act and build trust together by strengthening international rules, norms and institutions and developing effective mechanisms for preventive diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The Cambodian parliamentary leader also emphasised that the international community must reject “the rule of the jungle” and the notion that “might is right.”

At the same time, Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the increasingly important role of parliamentary diplomacy in building confidence, promoting shared values and norms, bridging geopolitical divides and contributing to an open, inclusive and effective multilateral system.

She further underlined that lasting peace and stability cannot be separated from sustainable development. Climate action, economic resilience, poverty reduction and inclusive development are essential to addressing the root causes of instability.

Samdech Khuon Sudary also encouraged closer coordination between executive and legislative institutions to turn political commitments into practical results.

In this regard, she highlighted a proposal by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, to establish an international network of eminent parliamentary mediators. The proposed network, she said, could complement existing mediation mechanisms and help translate shared political commitments into practical action.

As a peace-loving country, Cambodia has consistently advocated respect for international law, particularly the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, she added.

“We must never accept the use of force to alter international boundaries,” Samdech Khuon Sudary said, emphasising that the principle should remain at the heart of collective efforts to preserve peace.

Samdech Khuon Sudary concluded by congratulating the Senate of the Republic of Indonesia on taking over the chairmanship of the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in 2027.

The Cambodian National Assembly President urged delegates to carry forward the spirit of Phnom Penh through concrete action, saying parliamentarians should continue to build bridges where divisions exist, choose dialogue over confrontation, uphold international law and work together toward a world where peace and prosperity are shared by all.

By Heng Panha