In brief
The international ‘New World Order’ conference opened in Phnom Penh on Oct. 30, hosted by CamTech University, Sun Yat‑sen University and the China‑ASEAN Studies Center. Speakers highlighted China’s role in global security, urged ASEAN cohesion, and warned against economic fragmentation. The forum featured two panels on strategic dynamics for ASEAN and multipolarity, with a keynote from Cambodian minister Sok Siphana.
In Phnom Penh on Friday, an international conference titled “New World Order” opened, gathering scholars, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss geopolitics, digital technology, trade, and the role of ASEAN, according to Xinhua.
The event, co‑organized by CamTech University, Sun Yat‑sen University and the China‑ASEAN Studies Center, was held as a one‑day forum that featured two panel discussions: one on strategic dynamics for ASEAN and the international community, and another on multipolarity, multilateralism and small nations’ agency.
The keynote address was delivered by Sok Siphana, Cambodian senior minister responsible for special missions in multilateral trade and economic affairs. He said the conference served as a strategic platform to exchange insights and navigate emerging challenges, and urged nations to uphold the United Nations Charter while resisting economic fragmentation.
“Indiscriminate decoupling will inevitably impoverish developing nations and solidify adversarial political blocs,”— Sok Siphana
He called for ASEAN member states to strengthen unity, ensuring the bloc remains a neutral, inclusive platform for competing global powers. Throughout the sessions, panelists emphasized China’s role in maintaining global security, stability and inclusive governance.
Among the participants was first‑year student Him Gek Houn of CamTech University, who said she attended the conference to experience a global forum and to learn how nations can collectively improve the world, noting the importance of understanding neighboring perspectives and cultures.
