SIEM REAP — Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, stated during the opening ceremony of the 39th World Conference of WAGGGS and the 42nd Annual Meeting of The Olave Baden-Powell Society in Siem Reap province on the morning of June 16, 2026, that peace is the foundation of everything.
Samdech Thipadei emphasized that without peace, we cannot speak of education, development, women’s participation, or the future of young people. It is precisely because of this peace that Cambodia has been able to build infrastructure, increase educational opportunities, create jobs, enhance social welfare, and open its doors to international friends to share knowledge, experiences, and friendship with the Cambodian people.
🕊️ Peace: The Foundation of Economic Development
Peace and political stability are key factors attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and driving economic growth. Cambodia has used peace as a foundation to achieve significant economic milestones:
| Achievement | Economic Impact |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Development | New roads, bridges, ports, and airports enhance Cambodia’s competitiveness |
| Job Creation | The private sector thrives, creating tens of thousands of new jobs |
| Social Welfare Enhancement | Investment in health and education improves quality of life |
| Hosting International Events | Demonstrates stability, confidence, and attracts tourists and investors |
🌏 Cambodia as Host of International Events: A Sign of Stability and Confidence
Hosting the 39th WAGGGS World Conference in Siem Reap is evidence that Cambodia has the capacity to host major international events. This is a positive signal for investors, demonstrating that:
- Security and safety are guaranteed
- Infrastructure is of high quality (hotels, roads, airports)
- Cambodia is a stable and reliable investment destination
Economic perspective: Major international events boost tourism, increase visitor spending, and create business opportunities for local MSMEs.
Promoting Gender Equality: A Driver of Economic Growth
Samdech Thipadei highlighted that the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to prioritize the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across all sectors as a key priority in the Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1.
| Sector | Investment/Promotion | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Promoting women entrepreneurship | Increases productivity and new business creation |
| Education | Scholarships for girls | Enhances human capital and workforce skills |
| Health | Maternal and child health promotion | Reduces mortality rates and increases labor productivity |
| Public Leadership | Increasing women’s representation in government | More diverse and effective decision-making |
💡 What Investors and Civil Servants Should Know
| Key Point | Impact/Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Peace and Stability | A favorable environment for long-term investment |
| International Events | Opportunities for tourism, hospitality, and services sectors |
| Gender Equality | Increased productivity and innovation through women’s participation |
| Human Capital Development | Skilled workforce and increased productivity |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does peace affect investment in Cambodia?
A: Peace and political stability are key factors attracting FDI by ensuring a safe and reliable business environment.
Q: How do international events help Cambodia’s economy?
A: International events boost tourism, create jobs, increase visitor spending, and demonstrate the country’s stability to the international community.
Q: Does promoting gender equality impact economic growth?
A: Yes. Promoting gender equality increases productivity, fosters innovation, and expands the workforce, all of which drive sustainable economic growth.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s speech clearly affirmed that peace is the foundation of economic and social development. For civil servants and investors, Cambodia continues to offer a favorable environment for investment, business creation, and participation in national development.
Thank you for peace!
