AKP Phnom Penh, September 17, 2026 --

Cambodia has called for stronger regional cooperation, professional journalism and responsible communication to combat fake news and safeguard information integrity across the Mekong-Lancang region amid rapid digital transformation and advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

The call was made at the Zero Fake News Media Forum and Awards Contest 2026 in Phnom Penh, held under the theme “Fighting Against Fake News and Upholding Information Integrity in the Mekong-Lancang Region.”

H.E. Kan Pharidh, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the National Secretariat of Cambodia for Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, said the theme was timely and highly relevant as the international environment continues to evolve rapidly.

He noted that digital transformation and advances in AI have created tremendous opportunities while also amplifying the challenges posed by fake news, misinformation, disinformation and misleading narratives.

“If left unaddressed, these challenges can erode public trust, undermine institutional credibility and social cohesion, and adversely affect regional peace, stability and cooperation,” he said.

H.E. Kan Pharidh stressed the need for stronger collaboration and collective action within the framework of Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) to shield the region’s political, economic, social and cultural development from the harmful effects of false and misleading information.

He also underscored the importance of timely, reliable and credible information, professional and responsible journalism, and trustworthy media institutions in strengthening public confidence and fostering mutual understanding among the peoples of the region.

Addressing the forum, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, said Cambodia was honoured to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening information integrity, promoting responsible communication and reinforcing public trust in an increasingly complex digital environment.

The Minister described the forum as representing a shift “from dialogue toward practical cooperation; from reaction toward prevention; and from individual initiatives toward stronger collective resilience.”

He said combating fake news should not be limited to correcting false information after it has spread. Instead, an information ecosystem should be developed in which citizens have access to reliable information, professional media uphold high standards, public institutions communicate effectively, technology is used responsibly, and people possess the skills needed to make informed judgments.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra also highlighted Cambodia’s continued efforts through the Zero Fake News Campaign, media and digital literacy initiatives, professional journalism, responsible content creation and timely public communication.

“Our message is therefore simple: ‘Verify Before You Publish. Verify Before You Share,’” he said.

H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Information and Project Director of the Zero Fake News Media Forum and Awards 2026, said the forum provides an opportunity for Mekong-Lancang countries and stakeholders to exchange practical experiences in public communication, journalism, fact-checking, media and digital literacy, responsible content creation, AI awareness and regional cooperation.

He said the Zero Fake News Media and Content Creator Awards recognise journalists, media practitioners, young people and content creators whose work contributes to a more accurate, responsible, ethical and constructive information environment.

For his part, H.E. Jiang Nan, Minister of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cambodia, said rapid advances in science, technology and information technology had created unprecedented opportunities for economic and social development.

At the same time, he noted that fake news was spreading rapidly through social media and new technologies across national borders, potentially undermining public and national trust, causing misunderstanding and affecting bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

H.E. Jiang Nan said China actively supports cooperation to combat fake news through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund. He noted that Cambodia’s Ministry of Information had undertaken information exchanges, expert discussions and public awareness activities to strengthen fact-checking capacity and help people distinguish false information.

He welcomed the growing common understanding in Cambodian society of the importance of combating fake news and its translation into practical cooperation across the Mekong-Lancang region.

By Heng Panha