Siem reap: Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the empowerment of girls and women as a key pillar of social and national development 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 in Siem Reap. Speaking Tuesday morning at the opening ceremony at the Sokha Siem Reap Hotel, Siem Reap Province, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony, Commissioner General of the Cambodia Guides Association (GGAC), stressed that investing in girls and women directly contributes to strengthening communities and building the country's future.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Dr. Pich Chanmony highlighted that for Cambodia, the empowerment of girls, young women, and women is an important element of social and national development. She emphasized that empowering women means strengthening society and future generations. This international meeting takes place in Siem Reap from June 14 to 19, 2026, under the theme: "We See, We Care, We Act".
Dr. Pich Chanmony explained that this theme reflected a collective commitment to recognizing the potential, aspirations, and talents of girls and young women, listening to their voices, responding to their needs, and transforming attention to their development into concrete actions through access to opportunities and leadership development. She stressed that building a strong, fair, and harmonious society begins with guaranteeing equal opportunities for every girl and young woman.
Highlighting the contribution of the Girl Guides movement, she indicated that the organization enabled girls and young women to acquire essential life skills, including discipline, a sense of responsibility, teamwork, community service, leadership, and self-confidence. "These are not just skills. They are the foundations that will enable them to become good girls, good students, responsible citizens, and the leaders of tomorrow," she stated.
Dr. Pich Chanmony continued that when girls were given access to education, encouragement, safety, and equal opportunities, they could transform not only their own lives but also have a positive impact on their families, communities, and the country. She further presented the WAGGGS World Conference as the highest decision-making body of the movement, bringing together member organizations from around the world to exchange experiences, define strategic priorities, and guide the future of the global Girl Guide movement.
In parallel, the 42nd Annual Assembly of the OB-PS constitutes a platform bringing together supporters and donors committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts movement worldwide.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Azizah, Queen of the Malaysian State of Pahang, Mrs. Candela Gonzalez, President of WAGGGS, and Mrs. Kaela Saenz Oriti, President of OB-PS, as well as delegates from more than 80 countries.
The WAGGGS World Conference is held every three years. The first edition took place in the United Kingdom in 1920, while the previous edition was held in Cyprus in 2023.