AKP Phnom Penh, May 12, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, presided over a high-level parliamentary workshop on “Understanding the Cambodia Strategic Framework 2024–2030: Accelerating the Implementation of ICPD-PoA (the International Conference on Population and Development-Programme of Action),” held on here on May 12 at the National Assembly Palace.

The workshop was both timely and significant, bringing together around 300 participants, including members of the Senate and National Assembly, representatives from government ministries, the National Assembly Secretariat-General, and international organisations.

In her opening address, Samdech Khuon Sudary described the workshop as a crucial platform for the Members of Parliament and stakeholders to reflect Cambodia’s progress, achievements, and ongoing challenges in implementing the ICPD Programme of Action over the past 30 years.

Samdech extended heartfelt appreciation to Samdech Kittisangahapundit Men Sam An, Chairwoman of the Cambodian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (CAPPD), for her visionary leadership in establishing and advancing the association.

She also expressed sincere thanks to H.E. Lork Kheng, Chairwoman of the 8th Commission of the National Assembly, for her dynamic efforts in promoting public health and development, and for fostering collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and key partners such as AFPPD, UNFPA, and CAPPD in organising this important workshop.

Samdech also offered congratulations to H.E. Chair of the 8th Commission on the recent election to the position of Vice-Chairwoman of the AFPPD Executive Committee during the April meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and expressed confidence in her continued efforts to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources in support of the ICPD agenda.

Referring to statements made by H.E. Bin Troachhey, Minister of Planning, and Ms. Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative to Cambodia, Samdech reaffirmed Cambodia’s enduring commitment to the ICPD Programme of Action.

She expressed appreciation for the government’s progress under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and former Prime Minister, and continued by Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. Their leadership, she noted, has led to meaningful progress in maternal health, family planning, and reproductive health access.

Samdech cited a 61 percent decline in the maternal mortality rate between 2000 and 2014—from 437 to 170 deaths per 100,000 live births—with a further reduction to 154 deaths in 2021–2022.

She praised the government’s commitment to achieving zero maternal deaths by 2030.

On behalf of the National Assembly, Samdech extended warm congratulations to the Royal Government for its progress in promoting gender equality, noting increased participation of women in leadership across public and private sectors, and narrowing gender gaps in education.

“Cambodia’s top ranking in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Contraceptive Policy Atlas demonstrates our strong commitment to ensuring access to contraception, family planning services, and a comprehensive approach to reproductive health,” she said.

“Cambodia has made meaningful progress in empowering youth through comprehensive sexuality education, and in eliminating, preventing, and responding to all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls,” added Samdech.

Looking forward, Samdech emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation to identify effective strategies that will help Cambodia reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These include SDG1: No Poverty, SDG2: Zero Hunger, SDG3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG5: Gender Equality, SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals.

By Chea Vannak