The Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts), also known as FAPW, launched its 7th General Assembly in Siem Reap, Cambodia, under the theme “Imagine the Possibilities.” The event, spanning three days, was inaugurated by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Lok Chumteav Pich Chanmony, Commissioner General of the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC).

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Lok Chumteav Pich Chanmony highlighted Cambodia’s active involvement in FAPW, stating that by 2023, Cambodia boasts 239 members in the organization, including Her Majesty the Queen-Mother, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, as a Gold Supporter. FAPW, founded in 1999, is a regional membership fundraising scheme aimed at providing financial resources for training programs, events, projects, and activities for the development of girls and young women in the Asia Pacific region.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet warmly welcomed all delegates and acknowledged FAPW’s significant contributions to gender equality and women’s capacity building. He appealed to leaders and stakeholders for further support of FAPW’s mission and underscored the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to gender equality and women’s roles in national development.

FAPW serves as a major regional meeting where stakeholders come together to review progress and recognize achievements in empowering girls and young women worldwide. The assembly also underscores Cambodia’s readiness to host the 39th WAGGGS World Conference in 2026.

Cambodia’s First Lady, Lok Chumteav Pich Chanmony, who joined FAPW with a Gold Award level at the 8th FAPW General Assembly in Thailand in November 2022, was presented with the FAPW Gold Award Pin and certificate by FAPW Founder Dr. Juseon Byun and Chair Ms. Ching Ching Wee-Ong during the event.