Cambodia is due to hold the second meeting of the Asia Cultural Council (ACC) and international Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) online on March 19 with the theme “Promotion of Culture and Innovation for Shared Prosperity during and after Covid-19”.

In a press release, the ACC said that National Assembly second vice-president, ICAPP vice-president and ACC chairperson Khuon Sodary; ICAPP founding chairman and ACC chairman Jose de Venecia; and ICAPP secretary general Cho Byung-jae were set to chair the opening of the meeting.

“This cultural milestone aims to bring together experts on culture, inspirational leaders and policy makers in the region to share perspectives and come up with a practical solution to two main topics,” the press release said.

The two topics are one on investment in culture and creativity for inclusive growth, and the second is to promote inter-connection between culture and innovation.

The ACC added that the Phnom Penh Declaration “Cultural and “Innovative Cooperation for Shared Prosperity during and after Covid-19” would also be approved in the event.

ACC, a subsidiary of ICAPP, held the first meeting on January 15, 2019 in Siem Reap province. The event was attended by Prime Minister Hun Sen and also ACC’s founding and honorary chairman. Also present were senior figures who are members of ICAPP and the National Assembly, and leaders from 38 countries in the Asia Pacific region. The event was also attended by 800 people from Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America, the Centralist Democrat International Organisation, the Asia-Pacific forum and UNESCO.

ICAPP-Cambodia and ACC-Cambodia working groups were first set up in July 2020, with the participation of leaders and specialists from all sectors. The Cambodian People’s Party joined the ICAPP forum in 2000.