Cambodia is deepening its commitment to global peace and security, drawing on its own history of conflict and recovery. The country continues to play an active role in regional and international stability, contributing to peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts, according to the Foreign Ministry’s latest annual report.
The 2025 report, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlights Cambodia’s expanding role in United Nations peacekeeping operations and international partnerships.
As of 2024, Cambodia has deployed 627 peacekeepers—including 130 women—under the UN framework across four conflict zones: Lebanon (UNIFIL), South Sudan (UNMISS), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
International Recognition for Peacekeeping Efforts
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has reaffirmed Cambodia’s dedication to global peace, with its “blue helmets” playing a key role in UN missions worldwide. The Kingdom’s contributions have been widely praised by the international community.
Speaking at the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP 11) in Phnom Penh last November, Sokhonn underscored that peace and stability have been fundamental to Cambodia’s economic and social development. He also reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to UN peacekeeping missions and broader conflict resolution initiatives.
According to UN assessments, Cambodia ranks 28th among 120 peacekeeping contributors globally and third in ASEAN. The country has also made significant strides in female participation, ranking 13th worldwide and second in ASEAN—an achievement aligned with the UN Gender Equality Strategy 2028.
Since 2006, Cambodia has dispatched 9,826 peacekeepers—including 857 women—to 10 countries, contributing expertise in demining, engineering, medical services, ordnance disposal, and military command. The government continues to push for greater female leadership in peacekeeping missions, reinforcing its commitment to gender inclusivity.
High-Level UN Engagement and Training Initiatives
Cambodia’s contributions to peacekeeping have drawn high-level recognition from the United Nations. During an official visit to Phnom Penh from July 5-8, 2024, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and other senior officials, commending Cambodia’s professionalism and dedication to global peace efforts.
Later that month, UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare visited Cambodia to discuss tripartite peacekeeping training initiatives for 2024-2025. Cambodia hosted its first regional UN peacekeeping training course in late 2024, with 56 participants from nine countries. The programme was supported by South Korea, Japan, and Australia, reflecting growing international collaboration.
Seat on UN Peacebuilding Commission
Cambodia’s expanding peacekeeping role has also been recognized through its election to the Organizational Committee of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (OC-PBC) for 2025-2026. As part of this intergovernmental advisory body, Cambodia will contribute to peace efforts in conflict-affected countries, further solidifying its position as a regional leader in global stability initiatives.
By stepping up its role in international peacekeeping and securing key positions within the UN system, Cambodia is reinforcing its status as a committed advocate for global security and post-conflict recovery.
