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Raksmey Hong, The Phnom Pen Post

Cambodia has called for stronger implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda at the national and regional levels, warning that rising geopolitical tensions risk undermining hard-won gains in gender equality.

The appeal was made by a high-level delegation led by Minister of Women’s Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi, during the global Women Deliver 2026 conference held in Melbourne, Australia, from April 27 to May 1.

Bringing together around 6,000 participants from 189 countries, the forum served as a platform for governments, development partners and civil society organisations to assess progress and push for renewed commitments to gender equality, women’s empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence.

“During the sessions, Cambodia shared its experiences and lessons learned regarding the prevention of gender-based violence, highlighting the significant progress made in reducing the prevalence of domestic violence,” according to the women’s ministry.

Speaking during high-level sessions and bilateral meetings, the Cambodian delegation stressed that the WPS framework must remain central to policy agendas, particularly at a time when global and regional instability is shifting priorities toward security and defence spending.

“Protecting women’s rights is not separate from peace and security — it is a prerequisite,” the delegation underscored, warning against any regression in implementing international commitments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

They highlighted Cambodia’s experience in reducing domestic violence and advancing gender equality, presenting its efforts as part of a broader push to ensure inclusive and sustainable development under the principle of leaving no one behind.

At the same time, officials acknowledged emerging challenges, particularly the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV).

Cambodia used the forum to study international legal frameworks and best practices, emphasising the need for shared responsibility between governments and major technology companies in addressing online abuse.

The issue of women’s economic empowerment also featured prominently, with discussions focusing on the care economy, climate-related challenges and the role of women’s leadership in driving innovation and resilience.

During the conference, Cambodia was invited by UNICEF to present its “ecosystem” model for investing in girls’ development, drawing attention to integrated approaches that link education, protection and economic opportunity.

On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with their Australian counterparts, including representatives from both legislative and executive branches, as well as gender-focused institutions and development partners.

The discussions reinforced longstanding cooperation between Cambodia and Australia in advancing gender equality, with both sides exchanging experiences on gender-responsive budgeting, inclusive governance and efforts to combat gender-based violence.

The delegation expressed their appreciation for Australia’s continued support in its development journey, particularly in promoting women’s rights and social inclusion.

Beyond immediate outcomes, the mission was seen as an opportunity for the women’s ministry to review and strengthen its strategic frameworks while expanding partnerships to mobilise technical and financial resources.

As global uncertainties persist, Cambodia’s message at the summit was clear: Sustaining peace and stability requires sustained investment in women’s rights, leadership and protection—without which broader development goals risk falling out of reach.