First meeting of the Socialist International in Cambodia

8-9 October 2004

On 8-9 October 2004 some 20 parties and organisations from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond gathered in Phnom Penh for a meeting of the Socialist International Asia-Pacific Committee, the first SI gathering in Cambodia, which was hosted by the Cambodian People’s Party. The meeting was opened with addresses by the CPP Standing Committee member and Minister, Mrs Men Sam An, and the Secretary General of the Socialist International, Luis Ayala, and also heard a contribution to the discussions by Cambodia’s Acting Prime Minister and member of the CPP Standing Committee, Mr Sar Kheng.

Participants discussed the social democratic perspective from Asia and the Pacific on the issues of Globalisation and Governance, with a broad exchange of views and experiences.

The strengthening of democratic governance at global, regional and national levels with mechanisms to ensure fairness and social justice, sustainable development and a more effective rule of law was emphasised to achieve a form of globalisation which benefits and promotes the well-being of all the people of this region of the world.

Peace and Security also figured highly on the agenda, with a review of existing conflicts and threats in the region, with agreement on the particular need for deepening cooperation between nations in Asia and the Pacific and throughout the globe, rather than unilateral or preemptive approaches in dealing with these crucial issues. Emphasis was also placed on the need to further democracy, human rights and economic progress, and the importance of advancing social democratic values and solidarity to achieve common objectives in this vast and interdependent region.

The meeting also received and considered reports from participants on the national situations in their countries and agreed on a Declaration of Phnom Penh, reflecting the content and outcome of their discussions.

The Committee agreed to convene next in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, next year in advance of the first SI Council of 2005.

Participants