Posted date: March 15, 2023
On 14 March 2023, TAF and CICP organizes a consultation workshop and networking event to present the outcome of a research study conducted by CICP funded by the Ponlok Chumnes Program. This event aims (1) to present the preliminary finding of a diagnostic study on “Diagnostic Study on the Knowledge Production in Foreign Policy in Cambodia”; (2) to seek comments and feedback from different stakeholders on these initial findings; and (3) to provide knowledge sector actors with the opportunity to network with each other.
During this event, Amb. Pou Sothirak, Executive Director of CICP gave closing remarks containing the following key points:
- CICP would like to express sincere appreciation to Ms. Melonie Lindberg, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation Cambodia Office for her commitment and assistance, without which this research study cannot be realized. He also thank the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government for supporting Ponlok Chumnes Program in Cambodia.
- He highlighted the important function of the foreign policy of any government in guiding diplomatic interactions and relationships with other countries. A state’s foreign policy reflects its values and goals and helps drive its political and economic aims in the global world.
- Cambodia counts on foreign policy to tackle shared challenges, promote stability, and protect shared interests and coupled with domestic policy, together, the two policies complement one another and work to strengthen Cambodia’s position both within and outside its national borders.
- CICP is privileged to be able to conduct this important research study aiming at assessing the knowledge sector in foreign policy in Cambodia to further the Ponlok Chumnes program’s understanding of Cambodia’s knowledge sector landscape and the foreign policy ecosystem.
- CICP research team undertake this study with a view that in the field of foreign policy, the knowledge produced by scholars, think tankers, and practitioners can viably contribute effectively to complement the government’s foreign policy to the maintenance of peace and stability and promote prosperity in Cambodia and the region more broadly.
- The presentation by Po Sovinda, Lead Researcher, the study captures the current status of knowledge production in foreign policy in Cambodia, the opportunities they have, the challenges they face, and provides suggestions to improve the field of foreign policy in Cambodia. The field of foreign policy research is still in its early stage. There are more works that need to be done in order to elevate its further.
- Despite the shortcomings, in fact, Cambodia can play a leading role in terms of foreign policy knowledge production. As the finding of the study has found, there are a lot of young and senior scholars of foreign policy-related institutions in Cambodia who have published quite extensively on various issues pertaining to Cambodia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and even beyond Asia like the issue of Ukraine war and their implications on Southeast Asia and Cambodia. This momentum needs to be further nourished.
- He recognized the valuable attributions from CICP’s research team, comprising Mr. Po Sovida, the team leader, and four other researchers including Mr. Him Raksmey, Mr. Ung Hakheng, Mr. Him Rotha, and Mr. Chhuon Vannasambath for successfully and diligently complete this research study.
- As one of the premier think tanks on foreign policy studies and research in Cambodia, CICP hopes that scholars and practitioners of foreign policy study will continue to support the knowledge production sector in foreign policy in Cambodia. CICP also hopes that these research findings will enlighten us to find better ways to enhance foreign policy research in Cambodia.
- CICP is proud to play our modest role in providing useful and practical policy recommendations to protect and promote Cambodia’s foreign policy, enhance growth and prosperity, and democratic values, as well as shape a regional environment in which all Cambodians can be proud.
