UN Women Commends Cambodia’s Progress on Gender Equality

BEIJING,China (Oct.13,2025) — UN Women has praised Cambodia for its ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive development
The recognition came during a meeting Oct. 12 between Samdech Khuon Sudary, president of Cambodia’s National Assembly, and Christine Arab, regional director for UN Women in Asia and the Pacific. The meeting was held in Beijing on the sidelines of the Global Leaders’ Meeting.

Khuon Sudary acknowledged UN Women’s role in Cambodia and the region, commending its work in empowering women and girls. She expressed appreciation for the organization’s longstanding support and partnership, and called for continued collaboration.

Over the past three decades, Cambodia has made significant progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995. The country has seen advances in education, social welfare, health care and economic participation, with women viewed as central to national development.

Khuon Sudary said women are recognized as a vital resource for productivity and growth in both the formal and informal sectors. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen, now president of the Senate, was a strong advocate for gender equality, famously declaring that “women are the backbone of the national economy and society.”

That principle was a key part of his government’s Rectangular Strategy across four mandates. Current Prime Minister Hun Manet has continued that commitment through the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy, which emphasizes building a just, inclusive and moral society. He has stated that “women are the core of the national society.”

At the legislative level, the National Assembly has launched several initiatives, including the Cambodian Women Parliamentarians Caucus for Population and Development and the Girl2Leader campaign. Supported by partners such as the United Nations Population Fund, the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, and the Parliamentary Centre of Asia, these efforts promote gender-sensitive legislation and encourage women’s participation in politics and decision-making.

Arab commended Cambodia’s political will and progress under the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She said Cambodia’s efforts could serve as a model for other nations and expressed confidence in the country’s continued commitment to implementing the Beijing Declaration +30. The initiative focuses on reducing poverty among women, amplifying their voices and ensuring their safety and protection.

During the meeting, Khuon Sudary also raised concerns about recent tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which have displaced thousands of Cambodians, including women and girls, particularly pregnant women.

She emphasized Cambodia’s commitment to peace, good neighborly relations and resolving disputes through dialogue in accordance with ASEAN and United Nations charters.
Arab expressed support for Cambodia’s peaceful approach, saying, “Where there is peace, there is everything.”