Arya News - The Seoul statement stresses “the importance of press freedom and media independence, as well as the responsible use of artificial intelligence” to combat misinformation and reinforce public confidence in the media.
PHNOM PENH – Attendees of the eighth Media Forum of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) have adopted the Seoul statement, which emphasises press freedom, media independence and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to counter misinformation and strengthen public trust in the media.
According to a November 8 press release from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the forum, themed “The Role of the Media in Rebuilding Trust”, was held alongside the 13th ICAPP General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, from November 4–7.
The Seoul statement stresses “the importance of press freedom and media independence, as well as the responsible use of artificial intelligence” to combat misinformation and reinforce public confidence in the media, it said.
The forum’s position places editorial independence and the responsible use of technology among the priorities for rebuilding trust, linking efforts to address misinformation with the conditions under which the media operates.
Suos Yara, an ICAPP vice-chairman and head of Cambodia’s ICAPP-ACC working group, led a CPP delegation to the assembly, on behalf of party president Hun Sen.
The general assembly, themed “Rebuilding Trust in a Changing World”, brought together approximately 300 participants, representing 83 political parties, diplomatic missions and international organisations from 36 countries.
South Korea’s Democratic Party, known as Minjoo, and People Power Party jointly organised the event, with support from the South Korean National Assembly and government.
The general assembly unanimously adopted the Seoul Declaration, outlining Asian political parties’ shared commitment to rebuilding trust through dialogue and cooperation.
The declaration underscored respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, alongside the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.
According to the CPP, the assembly supported proposals raised by the Cambodian delegation and incorporated into the declaration its emphasis on rebuilding trust in international affairs through inclusiveness, impartiality and collective action.
These proposals included “maintaining consistency between commitments and practical implementation, as well as achieving results through collective action”, said the CPP release.
The assembly called on all political parties to connect governments, parliaments and citizens, while continuing to support ICAPP as an inter-party platform for diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Cambodian delegation also called for stronger cooperation to preserve and promote Asia’s shared heritage, highlighting the region’s cultural diversity.
It proposed developing creative industries, establishing partnerships between historic cities and using digital systems to support heritage conservation.
Cambodia has hosted the ICAPP General Assembly twice: in 2010, under the theme “Quest for a Better Tomorrow in Asia”, and in 2024 under the theme “A Quest for Peace and Reconciliation”.
The Communist Party of Vietnam is set to host the 14th ICAPP General Assembly in 2028.