SIEM REAP: Member of the King’s Supreme Advisory Council, Men Sam An, praised the 7th General Assembly for the Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW) for showing the progress made in Cambodia under the umbrella of peace, stability and national unity.

Presiding over the closing ceremony of the assembly on November 7, Men Sam An said that the FAPW is a historic and meaningful event for the Girl Guide Association of Cambodia (GGAC), which was entrusted with hosting the international event this year under the theme “Imagine the Possibilities.”

The event is a large regional meeting that brings together members from several countries to review progress and hear about the achievements of the Asia-Pacific Girl Scout Association which helps girls and young women around the world gain access to the knowledge, experience, and opportunities that will shape their future for the better.

Men Sam An echoed the sentiments of Prime Minister Hun Manet, saying that the Cambodian government has identified gender equality and empowerment as a priority in its policy agenda through the first phase of the Pentagon Strategy, which aims to strengthen good citizenship in a highly civilized society with morality, equity and an environment in which women are the core.

The assembly, held in Siem Reap, was led by First Lady Pich Chanmony who is also the Commissioner of the GGAC. The event was somewhat of a trial run in preparation for Cambodia’s role as host to the 39th World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts Conference in 2026, which will see scouts from dozens of countries converge for the global conference in Siem Reap.