Cambodia to Host Fourth International Relations Forum Focused on Small-State Diplomacy

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.20, 2025) — The International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC), in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), will host the Fourth International Relations Forum on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

Held under the theme “Small State Foreign Policy: Peaceful and Preventive Diplomacy,” the forum will convene approximately 150 diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and students to explore how small states can navigate rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.

The event will open with a keynote address by Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, followed by a high-level panel.

“In a world where great-power politics often dominate, this forum highlights the agency, adaptability, and ingenuity of small states,” said Kin Phea, director general of IRIC. “Our goal is to translate theory into actionable strategies that help small states like Cambodia achieve prosperity and global relevance.”

Discussions will focus on preventive diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and niche strategies in peacekeeping, digital governance, and sustainable development. The forum also aims to foster collaboration among national and international stakeholders, encouraging joint research and long-term policy networks.

Outcomes will be compiled into analytical reports and case studies, contributing to both academic discourse and practical policymaking. The event reaffirms IRIC and KAS’s commitment to promoting Cambodia’s role in advancing peace, security, and regional stability.