PM Hun Manet calls for strengthened global cooperation on One Health

LYON, France, April 8, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Samdech Thipadei Minister Hun Manet has appealed for stronger global cooperation on One Health initiatives, stressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Speaking at the One Health Summit in Lyon, Samdech Thipadei thanked France for hosting the event and said the platform was vital for reshaping traditional approaches to health and environmental management.

“Human, animal, and environmental health are inseparable; we share the same destiny,” he said, reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that despite limited resources, Cambodia contained the virus through strict measures and high vaccination rates.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet urged a systemic approach to safeguard ecosystems, prevent disease spillovers, and address challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss.

He outlined Cambodia’s domestic efforts, including strengthening governance, integrating civilian health systems, monitoring wildlife, advancing biosecurity, and improving animal health infrastructure.

Internationally, he reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the Global Plastic Action Partnership, and ASEAN-led initiatives.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also set out five priorities for global action: partnership and solidarity; integrated surveillance and early warning systems; sustainable financing and innovation; combating antimicrobial resistance and climate pressures; and investment in knowledge and preparedness.

“Now is the time to translate our commitments into bold, tangible actions to protect human, animal, and environmental health globally,” he concluded.

The summit brought together leaders, experts, and policymakers to advance coordinated approaches to emerging health threats and sustainable development.