Angelina Jolie shares Cambodia connection, desire to be of service at ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit

Detailed summary

Angelina Jolie shared how her more than two-decade connection with Cambodia shaped her deep appreciation for its people and culture during the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in…

Angelina Jolie shared how her more than two-decade connection with Cambodia shaped her deep appreciation for its people and culture during the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Taguig on Wednesday.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, business leaders and other delegates gathered to hear Jolie speak about her experiences in the Southeast Asian country, where she has maintained a longstanding humanitarian connection.

“These are not poor cultures. These are not poor countries. These are rich countries, strong people, brilliant people, rich resources, nature, capacity,” Jolie said.

She emphasized that genuine development should benefit not only the wealthy but also marginalized and vulnerable communities.

“If they had been given the support and they could trade fairly and they could produce fairly, they wouldn't need that much at all if they had been treated fairly from the start,” she said.

Jolie's experiences in Cambodia also helped deepen her appreciation for its people and traditions. It was also in the country where she met her son, Maddox, who was born there.

The actress said she hopes to see humanitarian efforts go beyond providing immediate relief and create opportunities for people to be self-sufficient through education, livelihood programs, and the development of their skills and talents.

“I really want to, and I think we all probably agree, we want to find a way where it goes from aid relief to really just investment so people are taking care of themselves and don't need you and we're investing in their independence,” she said.

Jolie also shared her desire to lead a simpler life dedicated to helping others.

Opening of the article, excerpted from GMA News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.