ISC-2 Concludes in Cambodia with Landmark Phnom Penh Declaration, Charting a Stronger Role for Parliamentary Diplomacy
Phnom Penh, Cambodia — The Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-2) concluded in Phnom Penh on 28 August 2026 with the adoption of the Phnom Penh Declaration, reaffirming a collective commitment among participating parliaments to strengthen international law, advance peaceful conflict resolution, and deepen parliamentary cooperation in pursuit of peace and shared prosperity.
Held at a time of heightened global tensions and persistent conflicts, the three-day Conference brought together 13 Speakers, 7 Deputy Speakers, 6 Members of Parliament, and representatives from five intergovernmental organizations. Under the theme, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity: Strengthening International Law and Resolving Conflicts Peacefully,” ISC-2 provided a high-level platform for parliamentary leaders to exchange views on some of the most pressing challenges facing the international community.
Through the General Debate and other high-level discussions, delegates underscored the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting dialogue, building trust, and creating avenues for cooperation among nations. Participants reaffirmed that, at a time when geopolitical divisions continue to deepen, dialogue and diplomacy must remain at the center of efforts to prevent conflict and preserve peace.
The Conference was further strengthened by video messages from H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Secretary General Anda Filip of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), reflecting the broader international significance of the gathering and the growing recognition of the role of parliamentary institutions in addressing global challenges.
Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan and Founding Chairman of the ISC, H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, addressed the opening session attended by over 300 parliamentary delegates from Cambodia and abroad calling for greater unity among parliaments and more effective parliamentary diplomacy.
In a powerful call for collective action, Chairman Gilani urged fellow parliamentarians to move from commitment to action, from dialogue to delivery, and from promises to results.
One of the major highlights of ISC-2 was the Royal Audience granted by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, underscoring the significance of the Conference for Cambodia and its international guests.
In his address to the Opening Session, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, advanced a proposal for the establishment of a Parliamentary Ceasefire Observer Team, aimed at strengthening international monitoring and helping prevent small-scale conflicts from escalating into prolonged wars. The proposal reflected the Conference's broader call for stronger preventive diplomacy and more effective international mechanisms for preserving peace.
Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet also addressed the Opening Session, emphasizing that border disputes should not be viewed merely as bilateral concerns, but as issues closely connected to international law, the United Nations Charter, and ASEAN principles, particularly respect for sovereignty and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Meanwhile, ISC Secretary General Ek Nath Dhakal highlighted the steady growth and expanding international engagement of the ISC since its inaugural assembly in Seoul in 2025. He emphasized that the ISC has emerged as an important platform where parliamentary leaders can engage in dialogue on peace, diplomacy, sustainable development, and other shared global concerns.
He encouraged participating parliaments to take a more active role in strengthening the Conference and transforming parliamentary dialogue into meaningful cooperation and concrete initiatives.
Looking ahead, ISC-2 also marked an important transition for the organization with the announcement that the Republic of Indonesia will host the Third Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC-3) in 2027. The next Conference will be led by Sultan Najamuddin, Speaker of Indonesia’s Regional Representative Council (DPD).
The adoption of the Phnom Penh Declaration served as the defining outcome of ISC-2. Through the Declaration, the Speakers and Representatives of Parliaments reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and advancing sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive cooperation among participating parliaments.
The Declaration also formally welcomed Indonesia as the host of ISC-3, setting the stage for the continued expansion of the ISC as a platform for parliamentary cooperation and international dialogue.
The Closing Session, addressed by Samdech Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, marked a successful milestone for both Cambodia and the ISC. The message from Phnom Penh was clear: parliamentary leaders must keep dialogue open and turn shared commitments into collective action for peace and prosperity.
ISC-2 was held from 26 to 28 August 2026 at the GDT Convention Center in Phnom Penh, jointly hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
