Cambodia to Host Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health

PHNOM PENH, Aug 7, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia will host parliamentarians from across the Asia‑Pacific next week for a forum on universal health coverage, climate change and artificial intelligence, parliamentary officials said. The 9th Asia‑Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPF‑GH) will be held at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh from Aug 11 to 13 under the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence.” Preparations for the three‑day event are in their final stage, the National Assembly said. Progress was reviewed Thursday at a meeting co‑chaired by Lork Kheng, chair of the Assembly’s Commission 8, and Yos Phanita, chair of the Senate’s Commission 2. Keo Piseth, permanent deputy secretary‑general of the Assembly, said arrangements covering protocol, logistics, security and technical operations had been completed, with a full rehearsal set for Aug 10. Delegations from 16 member countries and one observer are expected, with the first arrivals due Aug 8. Yos Phanita said participants are expected to adopt the Phnom Penh Communiqué at the closing session, chaired by Senate First Vice‑President Ouch Borith. The forum will feature four thematic sessions on expanding universal health coverage, parliamentary oversight of health policy, the health impacts of climate change, and the role of artificial intelligence in improving access to care. Delegates will also visit Ang Phnom Touch Health Center in Kampot Province to observe community‑based primary healthcare, and Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital to study private sector contributions to Cambodia’s health system. Organisers say the forum aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation on global health issues and promote more resilient and inclusive healthcare systems through legislative collaboration.