(Phnom Penh): Cambodia has called on the international community to recognise the economic and humanitarian costs of conflict when shaping global development financing frameworks, citing the impact of ongoing border tensions with Thailand on the country’s sustainable development efforts, according to AKP News.

Delivering Cambodia’s statement at the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up, held at the UN Headquarters in New York from April 22 to 24, Chou Heng, Deputy Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, welcomed the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment in July 2025, describing it as a renewed global framework for financing sustainable development.

He said the agreement comes at a critical time, with only five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while many countries face rising debt burdens, declining investment flows, and shrinking aid.

However, the Cambodian representative said the country’s ability to implement the Sevilla Commitment has been significantly affected by a border incursion and sustained armed conflict initiated by Thailand since 2025.

According to the statement, the conflict has resulted in more than 100 deaths and the displacement of over 650,000 civilians. As of February 2026, more than 80,000 people were still displaced, including 50,000 women and 30,000 children. Cambodia also reported that dozens of schools and health facilities in affected provinces remain closed.

Chou Heng said disruptions to border trade, tourism, and economic activity have further slowed Cambodia’s recovery, while scarce public funds have had to be redirected toward humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and defence spending.

He noted that these resources would otherwise support investments in health, education, social protection, and broader SDG implementation.

Cambodia urged the international community to ensure that conflict-related fiscal shocks are considered in development financing policies and called for concessional financing and debt relief for countries recovering from external aggression.

The statement also reiterated Cambodia’s support for a peaceful settlement through channels consistent with the UN Charter and international law, noting that a ceasefire remains in effect as of March 2026, though sporadic incidents and threats remain.

“Sustainable peace and sustainable development are inseparable,” the Cambodian delegate said, adding that the goals of the Sevilla Commitment require both financial support and political leadership from the international community.
=FRESH NEWS