Phnom Penh, 11 August 2026 — Hon. Ouch Borith, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, called on parliamentarians across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen political will and translate commitments into concrete action to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), amid the growing challenges of climate change and rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
Delivering the opening remarks at the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH) at the National Assembly Palace on Monday, Hon. Ouch Borith emphasized, “Health is a fundamental human right and an essential foundation for sustainable development, prosperity, and national resilience.”
At the outset, Hon. Ouch Borith expressed his deepest condolences to the Lao delegation, the National Assembly, Government and people of the Lao PDR, and the bereaved family on the passing of Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, describing his passing as a profound loss of a distinguished statesman who made an invaluable contribution to regional parliamentary cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Hon. Ouch Borith warmly welcomed all parliamentary delegations and distinguished guests, describing their presence as a great honour for Cambodia as host of this important regional event.
The Forum, held under the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence,” brings together delegations from 16 countries, reflecting a shared aspiration to advance UHC as a common goal and collective responsibility.
Hon. Ouch Borith highlighted the APPF-GH as an important parliamentary platform for exchanging experiences, building political will and partnerships, and strengthening institutional capacity to translate commitments into concrete action for public health.
Over the past decade, the Forum has addressed key health priorities, including health security, non-communicable diseases, primary health care, health financing, climate change, health equity, and health system strengthening.
Turning to this year's theme, Hon. Ouch Borith stressed that climate change is placing increasing pressure on human health and health systems, particularly among vulnerable populations. At the same time, artificial intelligence offers significant opportunities to improve diagnosis, disease surveillance, health data management, clinical decision-making, and healthcare delivery.
However, he cautioned that AI also brings challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, ethics, unequal access to technology, and the risk of widening health inequalities. He therefore underscored the role of parliamentarians in exercising their functions of legislation, oversight, representation, and budgeting to ensure that AI is used responsibly, ethically, and equitably in support of UHC.
Highlighting Cambodia's progress, Hon. Ouch Borith noted that under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, former Prime Minister and current President of the Senate, and Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, the country has continued to place Universal Health Coverage among its key national priorities and strengthen social health protection for the Cambodian people.
Cambodia has expanded health protection through two core mechanisms: the Health Equity Fund, which supports poor and vulnerable families, and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which provides coverage for civil servants, workers, employees, and self-employed persons through voluntary contributions.
The country is also strengthening health centres and referral hospitals, developing the capacity of health personnel, improving the supply of medicines and medical equipment, and building a digital health system to support evidence-based service delivery and policymaking.
Currently, around seven million Cambodians, or 41 per cent of the population, are covered by social health protection schemes, with Cambodia committed to further expanding coverage and reducing out-of-pocket health expenditure.
Hon. Ouch Borith stressed that the National Assembly continues to advance this mission under the principle “Healthy People, Prosperous Nation,” emphasizing that health is not merely a cost to the national budget, but a foundation for sustainable and inclusive development and national resilience.
The Forum will conclude with the adoption of the Phnom Penh Communiqué, outlining shared commitments and concrete actions to advance UHC amid climate change and artificial intelligence. Hon. Ouch Borith urged delegates to translate these commitments into legislative and budgetary action in their respective parliaments.
He highlighted three key priorities: increasing investment in primary health care as the foundation of UHC; removing financial, geographical, and social barriers to comprehensive healthcare; and building inclusive health systems that protect the most vulnerable and leave no one behind.
He urged the Forum to focus on tangible results, stressing that progress should be measured by whether people, including those in remote communities, can access needed healthcare without falling into debt—a true reflection of a people-centred approach.
Hon. Ouch Borith then officially declared the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health open, expressing hope that the Forum would produce meaningful and fruitful outcomes.