Cambodian Students Affirm Commitment to Strive for Peace

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Around 100 students gathered at Sovanphumi High School in Phnom Penh on July 9, 2025, to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2025, under the global theme "Act Now for a Peaceful World." The event was not only a celebration of peace, but also included a meaningful seminar focused on core values such as filial piety, purity, and character education.

The event opened with warm and enthusiastic welcoming remarks by Mr. Kiet Samoeurn, director of Sovanphumi High School. Then came special remarks by Dr. Tang Kimsruy, president of FFWPU-Cambodia, who emphasized the crucial role of youth in building a harmonious society. Dr. Kimsruy highlighted the importance of nurturing strong moral values, encouraging young people to act with compassion, responsibility, and a deep sense of respect toward family and community.

Following this, the official observance of the International Day of Peace was conducted by Mr. Chamroeun Sophal, regional director of UPF-Indochina. In his speech, Mr. Sophal called upon the young generation to be proactive peacebuilders and to live up to the UN theme for the Day of Peace by embodying peace in their daily actions. He reminded the students that sustainable peace is only achievable when it is rooted in inner peace and ethical conduct.

A group of Japanese youth volunteers gave a performance and a talk on filial piety. After that, Mr. San Chenda, president of Youth and Students for Peace-Cambodia, shared an inspiring presentation on the role of youth and filial piety. He explained how to live for the sake of others, to establish strong, healthy and loving families, and to build a peaceful world which starts from the individual and spreads to the family, society, nation and world. His lecture resonated strongly with the audience and encouraged participants to see themselves as key contributors to both national progress and global peace.

The seminar concluded with group discussions and reflections by the students, who expressed a renewed commitment to uphold the values of peace, purity, filial piety and responsibility in their lives. This impactful event served not only to educate but also to inspire the young people to take action now for a more beautiful and peaceful world.

By Sophal Chamroeun, Regional Director, UPF-Indochina July 9, 2025