Cambodia to host 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on global health

Rehearsal of the “9th APPF-GH Meeting” program at the National Assembly Palace on Monday. NA

The National Assembly of Cambodia, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO), will host the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH) from August 11 to 13 at the National Assembly Palace in Phnom Penh, according to a press release issued by the National Assembly Secretariat yesterday.

The forum will be held under the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence”, bringing together parliamentary delegations and distinguished guests from 16 countries, including presidents and vice-presidents of parliaments, parliamentarians, health ministers, development partners and experts.

The annual forum will provide a platform for participants to discuss, exchange views and share experiences on ways to ensure and improve public health services for people across the Asia-Pacific region.

First Vice-President of the Senate Ouch Borith will lead the official opening ceremony and deliver the opening remarks today, while First Vice-President of the National Assembly Kitti Sethapundit Cheam Yeap will preside over the closing ceremony on the morning of August 13.

The three-day forum will feature four major sessions focusing on advancing universal health coverage (UHC) in the Asia-Pacific region; parliamentary governance in UHC, including progress, challenges and country experiences; UHC in the era of climate change; and UHC in the era of artificial intelligence.

The participating delegations will also undertake a study visit to Kampot province to learn about the provision of health services at Ang Phnom Toch Health Centre and Sonja Kill Hospital.

As an active member of the APPF-GH, the Cambodian National Assembly, through its Commission on Health, Social Affairs, Veterans, Youth Rehabilitation, Labour, Vocational Training and Women’s Affairs, has actively participated in the forum while supporting the Government’s health policy agenda.

The National Assembly has contributed to efforts to advance Cambodia’s Roadmap towards Universal Health Coverage in Cambodia 2024-2035, with the broader goal of developing a social protection and healthcare system that ensures accessible and affordable health services for all and leaves no one behind.

This marks the first time that the Cambodian National Assembly has hosted the APPF-GH. The hosting of the 9th forum reflects international confidence in Cambodia’s contribution and commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation on global health issues and promoting more resilient and inclusive health systems through legislative cooperation.

Established in 2015, the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum on Global Health comprises 31 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. By 2024, parliaments from 27 member countries had participated in its annual forums, while two additional countries applied for membership in 2026. The forum receives technical and financial support from the WHO to strengthen, protect and promote the health and well-being of people in the region. AKP