PHNOM PENH, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Legislative leaders and representatives from various regions of the world concluded their meeting in the Cambodian capital on Friday, emphasizing that international cooperation and multilateralism remain indispensable to global peace, security, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.
In the Phnom Penh Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC), inter-parliamentary leaders and representatives formally committed to reinforcing multilateralism as a cornerstone for international stability, prosperity, and peace.
"We reaffirm our common aspiration for a peaceful and just world order founded upon international law, sovereign equality, peace and security, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development," the declaration said.
They also pledged to continue working together to uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, and foster a more inclusive and equitable world.
Additionally, they affirmed their commitment to leveraging parliamentary diplomacy to promote critical global issues. Key priorities highlighted in the declaration include food, energy, and health security, sustainable water management, climate resilience, secure supply chains, responsible digital transformation, and enhanced educational and cultural exchanges.
Cambodia's National Assembly President Khuon Sudary said that the declaration outlines vital priorities and practical pathways toward a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world driven by a people-centered approach.
"We have called for open, inclusive, and effective multilateralism, as well as the accelerated implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals," she said in her closing remarks.
Sudary warned that intense geopolitical rivalries, armed conflicts, and sovereignty disputes, combined with non-traditional threats like climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, cybercrime, and online scams, are creating deeply interconnected risks for all nations.
"These challenges are further compounded by the erosion of global governance, selective adherence to international law, and a growing deficit of strategic trust," she said. "The weaponization of trade, technology, critical minerals, and supply chains is also deepening divisions and threatening global peace and shared prosperity."
Emphasizing that no single country can navigate these crises alone, Sudary urged global leaders to collaborate.
Sudary concluded by stating that in an interconnected world, global networks must serve as a force for peace and development rather than division.
"Above all, the aspirations and well-being of our peoples must remain at the heart of our cooperation," she said. "As parliamentarians, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that our people can live in peace, dignity, harmony, and prosperity."
The ISC is dedicated to promoting legislative diplomacy and enhancing collaboration among national parliaments to address global challenges through dialogue and partnership. According to the declaration, the third ISC will be hosted by Indonesia in 2027. ■
