Cambodia has been awarded hosting rights to the 39th World Conference of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 2026, following a successful vote gathering campaign at the 38th conference, held in Cyprus from July 26-31.

The news has attracted congratulations from top leaders, civil servants, associations and the general public.

The Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC) announced the win on July 31, explaining that Pich Chanmony – the wife of soon-to-be Prime Minister Hun Manet and currently general commissioner of the GGAC – had led the Cambodia delegation to the Cyprus conference and proposed the Kingdom’s candidacy.

“After the committee made a detailed assessment, Cambodia was able to secure more votes than Ghana and Tunisia. This was a historic outcome and a great honour for Cambodia,” it added.

The GGAC thanked all compatriots for their support and encouragement, saying that the awarding of the hosting rights reflected the people’s unity in raising the profile of the nation.

The WAGGGS, founded in the 1920s, is made up of 169 countries and is headquartered in London. It is run by women for girls and young women, and supports female-oriented and female-only guiding and scouting organisations.

Girl guides and girl scouts are trained in leadership and decision-making, and are encouraged to participate in the governance and leadership of WAGGGS.

Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chan Naron, who heads the National Association of Cambodian Scouts (NACS), sent a congratulatory message to the GGAC.

“I was elated when the WAGGGS voted for GGAC to host the 39th World Conference in 2026,” he said, adding that it is a great honour for the Cambodian people and writes a new page in the prestige of Cambodia on the international stage.

Prime minister-in-waiting Manet took to social media to extend his congratulations with a message accompanied by a video announcing the successful hosting campaign.

“My wife and her working group did it! Cambodia was selected to host the 39th World Conference. I express my admiration for the excellent results yielded by their efforts,” he said.