Siem reap: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia's commitment to promoting gender equality and strengthening the empowerment of women and girls in all priority sectors, as part of the country's long-term national development agenda. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the 42nd Annual Meeting of The Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS), held on June 16 in Siem Reap Province, Samdech Thipadei said that Cambodia continues to place gender equality and women's empowerment at the heart of its political agenda and the Pentagon Strategy - Phase 1, guided by the principle that "women are the backbone" of a civilized, ethical, equitable and inclusive society.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's continued investments aimed at expanding opportunities for women and girls in the economy, education, health, and public leadership, in order to maximize the benefits of gender equality, strengthen women's decision-making capacity, reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence, and promote stronger intergenerational links. Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia viewed women not only as beneficiaries of peace, but also as essential actors in its construction and maintenance at the family, community, national, and international levels.
He noted that Cambodia enjoys international recognition for its contribution to UN peacekeeping missions through the deployment of women within its contingents. Between 2006 and 2025, the Kingdom deployed 10,447 peacekeepers, including 990 women, in missions conducted in 10 countries. Samdech Thipadei reaffirmed that the royal government continued to make human capital development, education, health promotion, social protection, and the creation of opportunities for women and youth national priorities so that they can contribute to the country's development.
"We believe that a girl who receives a quality education, lives in safety, develops her self-confidence, and is given opportunities to participate in society can transform not only her own life, but also the lives of her family, her community, and her country," he said. Speaking about the role of the Guides movement, Samdech Thipadei described it as much more than just a youth activity program, calling it an essential platform for developing discipline, leadership, volunteerism, teamwork, a sense of responsibility, courage, and compassion.
According to him, this movement demonstrates that leadership can begin with simple actions such as helping others, respecting discipline, serving communities, protecting the environment, supporting vulnerable people, and contributing to social harmony. "From girls serving their communities to women leading, empowering women means strengthening the nation and building a stronger future for the world," he said.
Cambodia has also joined the international community in reaffirming that girls and young women are not waiting for the future, but are already actively participating in building it today, he added. Samdech Thipadei commended WAGGGS's ongoing mission to support girls and young women worldwide in becoming active, responsible, and capable citizens. He also praised The Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS) for its efforts in mobilizing partners and supporters to ensure the sustainability of the global Girl Guide movement.
He finally expressed his support for the Cambodia Guides Association, led by Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, for its initiatives to expand opportunities for Cambodian girls and young women in education, training, community service, and international engagement. Cambodia is hosting the 39th WAGGGS World Conference and the 42nd OB-PS Annual Meeting in Siem Reap Province from June 14-19, 2026, under the theme "We See, We Care, We Act."