Cambodia Gathering Honors Families and Parents
- May 31
- 2 min read
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – At UPF headquarters in Phnom Penh, UPF-Cambodia and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Cambodia co-hosted a gathering on May 31, 2026, to commemorate the International Day of Families and the Global Day of Parents. The event brought together parents, youth and community leaders to reflect on the vital role of the family as the school of love and the foundation of a peaceful society.
Mr. Chamroeun Sophal, regional director of UPF-Indochina, opened the program by warmly welcoming all participants and explaining the background of the Global Day of Parents, proclaimed by the United Nations to honor parents worldwide for their selfless commitment to children. He emphasized that this day is not merely a celebration but a call to recognize the sacred bond between parents and children – a relationship built on unconditional love, sacrifice and mutual respect. He noted that the quality of this relationship directly shapes a child’s character and the future of any nation. Without strong parent-child relationships, he argued, communities struggle to pass down moral values and social stability.
Ms. Ursula McLackLand, president of UPF-Asia Pacific, then congratulated participants and addressed the importance of the family as the basic unit of society, as recognized by the Untied Nations. She presented a practical and inspiring framework for building strong, loving and healthy families through what she called the Four Great Realms of Love: children’s love, sibling love, conjugal love and parental love. She explained that when each realm is nurtured – starting with the pure heart of a child, growing through filial piety and fraternal care, maturing in the commitment of marriage, and culminating in the sacrificial nature of parenthood – families become resilient and joyful. Her message encouraged families to practice daily acts of kindness, forgiveness and service to one another.
Special guest Dr. Chhort Bunthang, deputy director-general of the Cambodia Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, affirmed that the family is the essential foundation for a healthy society and nation. Drawing from both Cambodian cultural values and universal principles, he offered practical advice: Children should honor their parents through obedience, gratitude and caring for them in old age; parents, in turn, should treat children with patience, fairness and moral guidance, avoiding harsh criticism or neglect. He stressed that when families function well, social problems such as violence, corruption and youth alienation decrease significantly.
Dr. Tang Kimsruy, president of FFWPU-Cambodia, closed the event by inspiring parents and youth to go beyond mere celebration and actively inherit the tradition of “True Parents” through a life of pure love, integrity and service. He urged every participant to become, in daily life, a true parent, true teacher, and true owner: one who leads by example, educates with virtue, and takes responsibility for their family, community and nation. He called on youth to rise as leaders of peace and on parents to model unwavering love, thus contributing to a flourishing Cambodia and a harmonious world.
