AKP Phnom Penh, August 11, 2026 --

As Cambodia prepares to host the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) from Aug. 26 to 28, 2026, it is calling for legislative bodies around the world to play a more active role, in close cooperation with their respective governments, in safeguarding peace and stability in their countries, the region, and the world.

The 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference will take place at a time when the international community is facing one of the most complex periods in recent history. Armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, economic uncertainties, and rapid technological developments make it increasingly important for legislative bodies to strengthen and expand their engagement to help maintain peace and stability.

Themed “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity — Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” ISC-2 reflects the commitment of Cambodia’s National Assembly and Senate to advancing parliamentary diplomacy and promoting peaceful cooperation through dialogue.

For decades, diplomacy has largely been viewed through the actions of governments and foreign ministries. However, today’s challenges require broader engagement. Parliaments, as representatives of the people, play an indispensable role in making laws, ensuring government accountability, promoting dialogue, and building public support for international cooperation. Parliamentary diplomacy has therefore become an important complement to traditional diplomatic channels, creating additional avenues for dialogue and mutual trust and contributing to peace and stability at the national, regional, and global levels.

The establishment of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in 2025 reflected the growing recognition that legislative institutions can make a meaningful contribution to promoting peace and stability.

Beyond formal declarations, the forum will provide parliamentary leaders from different political systems, cultures, and regions with an opportunity to exchange views, identify common interests, and encourage practical cooperation. Such dialogue may not resolve conflicts immediately, but it can foster mutual understanding, particularly at times when tensions are high.

The emphasis on strengthening international law is particularly important in an era marked by competing strategic interests and growing uncertainty. Adherence to international law remains one of the most reliable foundations for peaceful coexistence among nations. Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter are not abstract ideals. They are essential safeguards against regional and global instability. When these principles are consistently upheld, they can create greater predictability, reduce the risk of conflict, and promote conditions conducive to sustainable development.

The conference is also expected to highlight an enduring truth: peace and prosperity are inseparable. Sustainable economic growth cannot thrive in times of conflict. Instability disrupts trade, investment, food security, and development, while global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, cyber threats, and transnational crime cannot be effectively addressed by any country acting alone.

Cambodia’s role as host is of particular significance. Having endured decades of conflict before achieving full peace and lasting stability through national reconciliation in late 1998, Cambodia has demonstrated how peace can provide the essential foundation for economic progress, infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and deeper international engagement.

Phnom Penh today is not only the capital of Cambodia but also a reminder that societies can recover from division through dialogue, compromise, reconciliation, and a sustained commitment to national unity.

Hosting ISC-2 also reflects Cambodia’s growing confidence and responsibility on the international stage. In recent years, Cambodia has increasingly served as a venue for regional and global dialogue, demonstrating its willingness to contribute constructively to multilateral cooperation. By welcoming parliamentary leaders from around the world, Cambodia is reinforcing its commitment to peaceful engagement and to strengthening partnerships based on mutual respect and common interests.

However, the success of the conference should be measured not only by the quality of its discussions but also by the actions that follow. Declarations and statements have lasting value only when they translate into concrete legislative cooperation, stronger institutional partnerships, and continued efforts to uphold international norms.

In short, parliamentary diplomacy must continue beyond the conference hall. It should promote sustained exchanges that contribute to building trust and advancing peaceful conflict resolution. History has clearly shown that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military force alone. It is built through dialogue, respect for diversity, adherence to the rule of law, and the willingness to find common ground despite differences.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where the consequences of conflict extend far beyond national borders, these principles are more relevant than ever. The 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference offers an important opportunity for parliamentary leaders to join hands with governments and other stakeholders in promoting peace, strengthening international law, and advancing peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Peace requires sustained commitment from governments, legislatures, and societies. By bringing parliamentary leaders together under a shared vision of solidarity, international law, and peaceful cooperation, ISC-2 can make a meaningful contribution to the common quest for a more stable, secure, and prosperous world.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) and H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan and Founding President of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC)

Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Khuon Sudary (R) represents Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen to receive the founding member plaque of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) during the World Summit 2025 of the Universal Peace Federation in Seoul, Korea, on April 11.

AKP