Cambodian youths can contribute to keeping peace through 1) education; 2) hard work; and 3) a commitment to humanity. Education is crucial because it empowers youth with understanding to see evil and know how to prevent it. Hard work is essential because the smartest people in the world cannot contribute to peace without hard work. Hard work is vital to ensure a strong national defense but more than this, peace is never easy. It is as hard to maintain peace as it is to achieve peace and youth must be disciplined and focused. Finally, a commitment to humanity is important because it is the foundation of all peace. If youth do not respect their adversaries, enemies and threatening people as human beings, then they will never be at peace because war and hate will become internalized. Peace is only possible when you respect the humanity of others.
– YOUK CHHANG
Director, Documentation Center of Cambodia
September 5, 2025
Photo: CamboCorps, Stung Treng province
