On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet hosted the 7th Solidarity Dinner and Meeting with journalists from across Cambodia. The event, attended by over 5,000 participants, was held to recognize and support the media sector, emphasizing its critical role in national development and democracy.

The gathering included a wide array of attendees: journalists, members of the Senate, the National Assembly, members of the Royal Government, ministry spokespersons, provincial and municipal governors, civil servants from the Ministry of Information, leaders of provincial and municipal information departments, representatives of UNESCO Cambodia, content creators, social media influencers, and members of the Information and Public Opinion Working Group.

This annual event continues a tradition initiated by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, highlighting his longstanding commitment to fostering relationships with the media. His Excellency Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, remarked, "This meeting reflects the high regard and care for professional journalists and media personnel, underpinning the importance we place on a free, responsible, and ethical press."

Minister Pheaktra also underscored that the event embodies the leadership legacy of Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing Cambodia’s stability and progress under his leadership. He noted that Cambodia is experiencing peace, political stability, and development across sectors. The media sector has expanded with greater press freedom, accompanied by increased responsibility and adherence to ethical standards.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, addressing the gathering, emphasized the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, underscoring that their impact depends heavily on user behavior. "No matter how advanced AI becomes, it ultimately depends on people—those who use it determine whether it becomes beneficial or harmful," he stated. He reinforced the importance of maintaining professional ethics and responsibility among journalists to combat misinformation and fake news, emphasizing that technology tools are neutral; their influence depends on human stewardship.

He further stated, "Strengthening the ethics and responsibility of information broadcasters is crucial to managing technological advances." Reiterating the power of social media, he highlighted its role in accelerating citizens' rights to information, allowing for faster transparency and accountability. "Social media enables the public to reflect and expose issues swiftly and effectively," he said, urging journalists to uphold integrity and accuracy in their reporting.

Prime Minister Hun Manet also addressed societal issues linked to AI and digital technology, citing examples such as online fraud involving AI impersonation of government officials, illustrating the ethical challenges these tools pose. "Technology has made the press more powerful, faster, and more influential. As custodians of this power, it is essential to ensure responsible and ethical use in service of the public," he emphasized.

He reiterated the press’s vital role in democracy, observing that in Cambodia, the media is viewed as the "fourth power," instrumental in disseminating government achievements and monitoring officials. "The press influences politics and acts as a watchdog, promoting the public interest," he asserted.

In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of ethical journalism, especially regarding sensitive images of accidents or victims, encouraging journalists to consider the societal impact of their reports. "Protecting integrity and adhering to ethical standards preserves the value and credibility of the media," he noted.

Further, he stressed the significance of promoting national pride and unity, urging Cambodians to love and promote their country, particularly through media. Regarding territorial sovereignty, he revealed that Cambodia's land area has increased to 181,436 square kilometers, based on precise technical measurements conducted in 2012, which included advanced GPS data from various borders. He clarified that this figure does not yet include islands, which are slated for future measurement and inclusion.

Highlighting media's role in nation-building, the Prime Minister identified three pillars of journalistic excellence: accuracy, integrity, and accountability. "Without these, media organizations cannot sustain long-term credibility," he said. He called on journalists to continue promoting Cambodia’s positive stories, such as its historical sites and tourism potentials, as part of national development efforts and international image-building.

He also acknowledged the efforts of local journalists and content creators in broadcasting positive stories to the world and urged them to remain confident and dedicated. "There is no greater patriotism than promoting Cambodia's virtues," he stated.

Finally, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that Cambodians themselves hold the key to fostering national progress through responsible media engagement. "No one loves Cambodia more than Cambodians, and no one can better strengthen our media system than Cambodians themselves," he concluded.

The event underscores the Cambodian government’s recognition of media as a pillar of democracy and development, reaffirming its commitment to supporting an ethical, free, and responsible press that contributes to national unity and progress.