NA’s Khuon Sodary (centre) during a video conference of the Asian Cultural Council. Facebook
Hun Sen, prime minister and honorary founding chairman of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), on March 19 sent a congratulatory letter to the second meeting of the ACC lauding this year’s theme as very much in line with the world’s current state.
The ACC and the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) held the second meeting under the theme Promotion of Culture and Innovation for Shared Prosperity during and after Covid-19.
“I would like to thank all the delegates for attending the second meeting of the Asian Cultural Council, and the selection of this theme which is very good and relevant to the current situation of the world,” Hun Sen stated in his letter.
It has been two years since the ACC was established and announced in Siem Reap province. The council is aimed at promoting cultural and peaceful connectivity, sustainable development, human relations and innovation.
“Our political commitment is clear. We work together to promote international dialogue and cooperation on development and innovation, with culture as a catalyst for achieving sustainable development goals,” he said.
He said the connection between people, knowledge and activities are all important intervention strategies to bring tangible results to the people. By the same token, people-centred development and cooperation are an important approach.
“We have a common goal of supporting the ACC to become an important institution in Asia in promoting peace, inclusiveness, sustainability and social resilience. The fight against global epidemics requires international solidarity and partnerships. No country or society is safe if we are all not safe,” Hun Sen said.
The meeting was presided over by ICAPP founding chairman Jose de Venecia and National Assembly (NA) second vice-president, ICAPP Standing Committee vice-chairperson and ACC chairperson Khuon Sodary. Attending were high-level delegations from Asia and representatives of key political parties within the ICAPP framework.
The meeting was also attended by the UN Office for Project Services, the Asian Vision Institute and other institutions.
According to the press release on the outcome of the second meeting of the ACC, the Phnom Penh statement focused on three key points: ACC’s commitment to mobilise resources to increase cultural diversity, and act as a catalyst to rebuild the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic; recognising the need to encourage more investment in culture-driven innovation and development; and cooperation in holding public cultural events online or in person.
