From TikTok fit-checks to the runways of Rosewood Phnom Penh, a new generation of Cambodians is rewriting what it means to dress Khmer. Between streetwear, sustainability and a fierce attachment to heritage, young Cambodians are turning fashion into a language of identity — and the country's creative scene is finally catching up.

As the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia intensifies, a generation of young people on both sides finds itself caught between nationalism, digital propaganda and a deep longing for peace. For many youths, the war is no longer a distant political dispute: it is lived daily through social media feeds, disrupted friendships, and uncertain futures.

A sign of hope and opportunity for young Cambodians, the Youth Leadership Summit is back for its 2024 edition.