Cambodia Joins SCO Media and Think Tank Summit to Foster Information Cooperation and Digitalization

A delegation from the Ministry of Information of the Kingdom of Cambodia, led by His Excellency Prak Thav Amida, Undersecretary of State, and representing His Excellency Net Pheaktra, Minister of Information, participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit 2026. The summit took place from July 27 to 29, 2026, in Bishkek, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. The summit was organized by Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Kabar National Information Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic, with participation from representatives of media organizations, research institutes, and government bodies from SCO member states and partners. Under the theme "The Significance of the Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Consensus on Values to the Implementation of Cooperation," the summit focused on four key topics: 1. Smart Media Integration, 2. Results-Oriented Cooperation, 3. Global Governance, and 4. Openness and Win-Win Cooperation. The summit included plenary sessions, panel discussions, photo exhibitions, and study tours to cultural regions and significant development projects in Kyrgyzstan, aimed at promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and experience sharing among participating countries. The participation of the Cambodian Ministry of Information delegation was a significant opportunity to study and understand the policies, vision, and progress in the development of the information sector. This included digital transformation, promotion of professional ethics, strengthening media capacity, and building a quality, secure, and responsible information space. The forum also provided valuable experiences through the exchange of views and expertise among media leaders, researchers, and government representatives from various countries concerning the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence, multi-format content production, media integration, and responses to challenges posed by fake and distorted news. The presence of the Ministry of Information delegation at this international forum is also part of Cambodia's mission to expand "information diplomacy," utilizing media as a bridge to connect understanding, build trust, and strengthen people-to-people friendship. Furthermore, Cambodia can continue to expand its network and partnerships with media organizations and research institutes regionally and internationally. Specifically, participating in this summit offers an excellent opportunity for the Cambodian Ministry of Information and Xinhua News Agency to strengthen relations and promote deeper, more effective, and tangible cooperation, particularly in news and content exchange, joint reportage and program production, study visits, training for journalists and information officials, and sharing experiences in the use of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and modern tools in news production and dissemination. The participation of the Cambodian Ministry of Information delegation in the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit 2026 reflects Cambodia's commitment to expanding international cooperation, strengthening information diplomacy, and enhancing the role of the media in building peace, mutual understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation for common benefit. By: Kong Sirirat © All rights reserved by the National News Agency of Cambodia 2018