Cambodia Calls for ASEAN Unity and Innovation in Disaster Management

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.16, 2025) — Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on Wednesday urged ASEAN member states to adopt a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to disaster management, warning that climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters across the region.

Speaking at the opening of the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management in Phnom Penh, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said disasters—whether large or small—leave lasting impacts on lives and societies. He cited recent earthquakes, floods, and tropical cyclones as stark reminders of the urgent need for coordinated regional action.

“The challenges we face require more than emergency relief,” Samdech Thipadei said. “We must focus on rebuilding infrastructure that can withstand climate change, especially in urban and rural areas.”

He outlined five key priorities for ASEAN: strengthening early warning systems and forecasting; enhancing multi-stakeholder partnerships; leveraging technology and innovation, including AI and geospatial tools; deepening global cooperation aligned with the Sendai Framework; and sharing ASEAN’s best practices with other regions.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable groups—women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—during disaster response and recovery.

He praised the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management and the AHA Center for their strategic leadership and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to advancing ASEAN’s 2045 vision through regional and international collaboration.