Cambodia has reiterated its long term commitment to building a people centred, inclusive and development orientated digital society, while urging stronger regional and international cooperation to close the global digital divide, particularly for least developed countries. This position was articulated at the High level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, convened to review the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society outcomes, where Cambodia underscored the importance of ensuring that digital progress benefits all citizens without exclusion.
National Priorities Highlighted at the United Nations
Speaking at the UN forum, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Keo Chhea, outlined the Kingdom’s national digital priorities and shared its perspectives on global digital governance. He stressed that Cambodia’s digital agenda is closely aligned with international frameworks, particularly the WSIS vision, which seeks to create an information society where “everyone can create, access, utilise and share information and knowledge.” His remarks positioned Cambodia as an active participant in shaping a fairer and more balanced global digital future.
Digital Transformation Under the Pentagonal Strategy
Ambassador Keo highlighted that Cambodia’s digital transformation is being advanced through the Pentagonal Strategy Phase I, which places digital development at the core of national growth. He emphasised that the country is entering what he described as “a new era of democratisation of access to knowledge (and) technologies.” This strategic direction reflects Cambodia’s ambition to use digital tools as a catalyst for inclusive economic and social development across the nation.
Policy Frameworks Driving Digital Growth
Digital transformation has been designated as the fifth pillar of Cambodia’s national development plan, serving as a key driver of sustainable development. To operationalise this vision, the government is implementing the Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework alongside the Digital Government Policy. Together, these frameworks aim to expand digital connectivity, strengthen human capital, modernise public services and ensure that technological progress delivers tangible benefits to all segments of society, including underserved and rural communities.
WSIS as a Pillar of Global Digital Governance
In the broader global context, Ambassador Keo stressed that the WSIS process must remain a central pillar of global digital governance, especially for least developed countries that continue to face structural barriers to accessing digital technologies. He warned that without sustained international focus, existing inequalities in digital access could widen, undermining global development efforts and leaving vulnerable populations further behind.
Bridging the Digital Divide Through Collective Action
The Cambodian envoy outlined two key priorities, beginning with a call for the international community to intensify collective efforts to narrow the persistent digital divide. He cautioned that unequal access to technology poses a serious risk to inclusive development and stated, “It is imperative that we collectively redouble our efforts to bridge the persistent digital divide to ensure no one is left behind,” reinforcing the urgency of coordinated global action.
Strengthening International Cooperation for LDCs
Ambassador Keo also underscored the importance of enhanced international cooperation, calling for stronger South South, North South and triangular cooperation. He noted that such partnerships are vital for facilitating capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing for developing and least developed countries. As he told delegates, “We call for further strengthening the South-South and North-South and Triangle Cooperation to facilitate essential capacity building, technology transfers and knowledge sharing for LDCs,” highlighting collaboration as a cornerstone of digital inclusion.
Cambodia’s Readiness to Build an Inclusive Digital Future
Concluding his intervention, Ambassador Keo reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to work closely with international partners to advance the WSIS goals and contribute to a secure and inclusive digital future. He stated, “Cambodia reiterates its firm commitment to materialising the WSIS visions and stands ready to work closely with all partners to build an open, secure and inclusive digital future for all.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s message at the United Nations reflects a clear and consistent vision of digital development that places people at its centre while recognising the necessity of strong international cooperation. By aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as WSIS and advocating for collective action to bridge the digital divide, Cambodia is positioning itself as a committed partner in shaping an inclusive, secure and development driven global digital society.