PHNOM PENH: The Asia-Europe Forum on Women was hosted by Cambodia between 13 and 14 of October in a hybrid format. On Saturday, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs issued a statement on outcomes of the meeting.

During the Forum the upcoming 13th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM13) focusing on the theme “Straightening Multilateralism for Shared Growth” was discussed, as well as sharing dialogues and learning on topics of women between Cambodia and European countries. It was also an opportunity to showcase Cambodia’s progress and strategies in the areas of gender empowerment, peace and security.

The forum was attended by approximately 1,000 participants, including female leaders of Asian-Europe regions, ASEM country representatives, embassies in Cambodia, UN agencies and other officials. The first two sections of the Forum were presented by the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs Kheng Samvada and the closing section by Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An.

Officials of Cambodia have stressed that promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Kingdom are crucial for the government’s development agenda. Therefore, 4 main pillars of action created at the UNSCR 1325 on Women Peace and Security were implemented in Cambodia, aiming to develop participation of women in decision making, protect the rights of women and girls, create initiatives for the prevention of conflict and ensure that gender considerations are integrated into relief and recovery efforts.