UN must be more empowered in global governance, Cambodian leader tells Assembly

The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Namhong Hor highly commended the United Nations on its adoption of Agenda 2030, and stressed that the General Assembly should be more empowered to enhance global governance and manage global issues.

The Prime Minister noted the new framework “is an ambitious vision to build an inclusive society for sustainable development and put the world on a more equitable prosperity for all by 2030.”

On poverty and food insecurity issues, he stressed the need to bolster “good governance, policy reform and more investment.”

“In light of the world’s new reality, Cambodia supports reform aiming to make the UN more democratic and more effective to cope with the crucial challenges the world is facing,” Prime Minister Hor said, emphasizing that the Assembly should be more empowered in the UN system to enhance global governance.

Turning to the threat of climate change, he said the Government officially launched the Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2014-2023 two years ago as the first-ever comprehensive plan to respond to climate change through adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon development. Cambodia has also launched its National Council of Green Growth aiming at promoting green economy.

On broader issues, Mr. Hor said his Government expressed “deep compassion” over the recent tragedies involving maritime migrants in Europe. In addition, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States was welcomed by Cambodia, as was the recent agreement between international negotiators and Iran over that country’s nuclear programme.