In a statement released on 26 Sep 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that Deputy Prime Minister SOK Chenda Sophea took part in the highly anticipated Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. As high representative of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Dr. Sophea played a key role in shaping discussions on strengthening multilateralism for maintaining international peace and security.
The summit, which was chaired by His Excellency Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, brought together leaders from 187 UN Member States to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and the need for reform in the UN system. The meeting emphasized the importance of intensifying international cooperation to harness science, technology, and innovation towards human development.
Dr. Sophea highlighted the significance of upholding the principles of the UN Charter and international law, which serve as the backbone of international order and global cooperation. He stressed the need for prioritizing diplomacy and mediation in conflict resolution and drew attention to Cambodia’s valuable contribution of over 9,000 personnel to support UN Peace Keeping Operations since 2006.
Notably, Dr. Sophea mentioned that thanks to sustained peace, Cambodia has made remarkable progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing poverty, improving education and healthcare, creating jobs, driving growth, and addressing climate change.
During the summit, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of inter-generational partnerships and shared responsibility towards safeguarding the needs and interests of youth and future generations. He emphasized the need for a strong multilateral system that embodies inclusive governance, technological equity, and fair financial access for development.
The Summit of the Future is seen as a decisive turning point in international cooperation, with Dr. Sophea expressing confidence that the meeting’s outcomes will engender necessary reforms and adjustments towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.
As Cambodia continues to play an active role in regional and international affairs through its membership in ASEAN, it remains committed to strengthening multilateral partnerships that promote peace, security, and development. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation looks forward to implementing the outcomes of this historic summit and contributing to a brighter future for all nations.
Addressing global challenges will require concerted efforts from nations worldwide. As Cambodia embarks on its journey towards sustainable development, it remains committed to upholding the principles of international law and multilateral cooperation.
A significant outcome for multilateralism
The Summit of the Future has underscored the need for reforms in the UN system, including the Security Council and international financial architecture. These reforms are crucial in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and ensuring that technological advances support sustainable economic growth.
As the world grapples with complex issues, it is essential to prioritize international cooperation and multilateralism. Cambodia’s participation in this historic summit demonstrates its commitment to these values and looks forward to collaborating with other nations to build a more sustainable future.