Cambodia Prepares to Strengthen Parliamentary Diplomacy on International Stage for August Speakers' Conference

Cambodia is intensifying its preparations to host the 'International Conference of Speakers of Parliament (ISC)' from August 26-28, 2026, in Phnom Penh. This significant event will bring together parliamentary leaders from around the globe to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, foster dialogue, and enhance cooperation for peace and prosperity. The ISC serves as a vital platform for parliamentary leaders to directly address regional challenges, share legislative experiences, and collaborate towards common goals. For Cambodia, hosting this conference is a historic opportunity to further elevate its role and influence in international parliamentary diplomacy, contributing to the promotion of multilateralism and inter-parliamentary cooperation in the region and globally. This will also expand relations between the parliaments of member states, aiming to maintain international peace, order, and sustainable development. To ensure a smooth, secure, and highly successful hosting of the important ISC conference, senior leaders from both the Senate and the National Assembly have convened meetings to review progress. A key meeting was held on the afternoon of June 15, 2026, at the Senate premises, presided over by HE Ouk Bourith, Senate First Vice-President and Chairman of the ISC Organizing Committee. HE Cham Yeap, First Vice-President of the National Assembly, along with Senators and Members of Parliament, and senior officials from both legislative institutions, also attended. The meeting heard progress reports and presentations of action plans from the five specialized sub-committees: 1) Content and Documents, 2) Finance, Supply, and Logistics, 3) Information, Dissemination, and IT, 4) Security, Order, and First Aid, and 5) Protocol, Hospitality, Logistics, and Secretariat. It is recalled that in February 2026, HE Sayyid Yousaf Raza Gilani, Speaker of the Senate of Pakistan and founder of the ISC, requested Cambodia to host the conference. This agreement was reached during a meeting between HE Gilani and Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh during HE Gilani's official visit to Cambodia. The ISC was established in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with HE Gilani elected as its president to promote dialogue and cooperation among parliaments, advance peace and sustainable development, find common solutions to cross-border issues, strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, and address global crises. The first ISC conference was held in Islamabad, Pakistan, in November 2025, under the theme 'Peace, Security, and Development.' Cambodia is also a founding member of the ISC. Cambodia has chosen the theme 'Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity – Strengthening International Law and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts' for this second conference. This theme reflects the urgent needs of our era, emphasizing the crucial role of parliaments in promoting mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and cultural diversity for the common cause of harmony, peace, and shared prosperity worldwide. In his welcoming message, the President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia stated: "Cambodia has the honor of hosting the ISC meeting, which not only reflects our long-standing commitment to constructive international cooperation and engagement but also affirms our firm belief in the value of dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration to promote the common interests of all peoples in all regions." Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized: "History offers valuable lessons in this regard. It teaches us that lasting peace and prosperity are not built through 'uniformity' but through mutual respect and understanding among diverse peoples and nations. By acknowledging our differences, learning from past experiences, and embracing a spirit of cooperation, we can collectively forge a future based on trust, stability, and shared prosperity..." It is noteworthy that in 2026, Cambodia's legislative institutions are hosting a series of high-level diplomatic events. These include a national workshop on climate change, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat and Tara Climate, to promote solutions to global environmental issues. Concurrently, Cambodia will organize a meeting on the Nutrition Framework, a crucial regional mechanism for responding to food security and well-being challenges. Furthermore, Cambodia will host the ISC conference, a global forum for parliamentary leaders worldwide to jointly address global challenges and strengthen peace. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health will be held with the aim of building political will and strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians in the health sector. Cambodia's legislative institutions have been demonstrating prominent leadership capabilities in international cooperation by adhering to international legal mechanisms and sharing best practices. Cambodia has affirmed its genuine intention to promote peace, stability, and democracy. Hosting the second ISC conference is a continuation of strengthening Cambodia's role and influence in parliamentary diplomacy on the international stage, contributing to the region and the world in reinforcing multilateralism and parliamentary cooperation to expand relations between member state parliaments, maintain international peace and order, and foster sustainable development. It also facilitates the exchange of perspectives and best practices on law enforcement and addressing global challenges such as technological security and climate change, thereby enhancing national image by showcasing Cambodia's political stability, rich culture, and economic potential to the world.