. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .
An article by Khorn Savi from the Phnom Penh Post
A joint declaration of the 2019 Asia-Pacific Summit in Phnom Penh urged countries around the world to address climate change and put aside disputes to ensure global peace.
The declaration which was issued on Tuesday evening also mentioned the necessity to focus more on issues concerning women, families and youths.
“The summit [reached a consensus] that there are growing threats to global peace and security because of social, political and economic causes.
“It also calls upon the world to acknowledge the importance of tolerance, mutual understanding, the role of civil societies, solution to disputes and world peace.
“Besides, the media’s role in creating awareness on climate change and the importance of global peace should be recognised,” said the declaration.
Additionally, the joint declaration said that long-lasting peace and happiness in society are the contributory factors of sustainable development.
“More resources should be used to address issues on women, such as domestic violence, workplace discrimination, limited education and opportunities [to promote gender equality]. Also, youths should be taking up more leadership responsibilities to play a significant role in building a culture of peace.
(Article continued in right column)
How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?
(Article continued from left column)
“Living in the interest of others is an effective means to overcome the divisive relations of humans and can pave the way for reconciliation to create one united global family.
“In this sense, the summit emphasised the need to strengthen unilateral ties between countries in the Asia-Pacific so that the region can achieve its true potential in the international stage,” said the declaration.
At the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Sen said: “As a [leader of the] Cambodian government, I would like to encourage the leadership of the government, civil societies and the private institutions to continue collaboration on addressing global issues.
“These issues include extremist activities, climate change, cross-border crimes and human trafficking, cybersecurity, as well as economic, social, and gender inequality.”
Social analyst Meas Nee said the world is concerned with the confrontation between superpower countries.
“More countries have raised their concerns about a possible repeat of a political bloc divide similar to that of the Cold War era as a result of the confrontation,” he said.
The concern should be given more emphasis to urge superpower countries to stop the confrontation and work towards reconciliation for global peace.
“Without a collective voice, the confrontation can escalate into a “third world war” which would be the greatest scourge for mankind,” Nee said.