Kandal: Samdech Maha Rathsapheatika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly (NA), highlighted the pivotal role of women in Cambodia’s socio-economic development and national resilience during a meeting with local women groups in Kandal province on Saturday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Khuon Sudary addressed the gathering by painting a challenging picture of the global situation. She noted that increasing geopolitical competition, economic fragmentation, trade wars, conflicts in various parts of the world, and the escalating climate crisis are fueling complexity, uncertainty, and volatility worldwide. “As the world is interconnected and interdependent, Cambodia is directly and indirectly affected by these rapid changes,” she said.
The NA President emphasized that the ongoing trade war, particularly between the United States and China, poses serious threats to global economic stability, with Cambodia’s growth rate projected to slow to around 4 percent this year, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) study. Highlighting broader geopolitical shifts, she noted that while the United States becomes increasingly isolated, China is strengthening its global position through adherence to international trade rules and expanding its network of partnerships.
“It is wise for us to have close strategic partnerships with China,” she said, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy of being a “friend to all, enemy to none,” and defending core national interests through independence and openness. Samdech Khuon Sudary also expressed concern about the weakening of the global governance and multilateral systems, warning that small states like Cambodia are particularly vulnerable without strong international legal protections. “We must understand the international situation to adapt and survive,” she urged, calling for vigilance and readiness for all possible future scenarios.
Turning to the national context, she stressed the urgent need for Cambodia to diversify its sources of growth, expand export markets, increase productivity, and strengthen resilience to external shocks. “Building national resilience requires a whole-of-society approach where every citizen has a stake and a voice,” she said. Samdech Khuon Sudary underscored the indispensable role of women in this endeavor, describing Cambodia’s female workforce as “the cornerstone of our economy and national resilience.” She called for greater empowerment of women to unlock their full potential, noting that a strong women’s movement would serve as a catalyst to help the nation navigate challenges.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening social protection programs to ensure that vulnerable groups are supported and that no one is left behind. “Inclusion, equity, and justice are the foundations of national resilience,” she said, emphasizing the need for collective effort: “If we want to go fast, we go alone. If we want to go far, we go together.”
Concluding her remarks, Samdech encouraged the women in attendance to prioritize their health, embrace lifelong learning, and invest in their children’s education, especially encouraging daughters to pursue studies in science and technology. “Together we can overcome all challenges. Together we prosper,” she declared.