The journey toward sustainable peace is often paved with the wisdom of those who have overcome the greatest of trials. Recently, our Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Yoshinori Shinohara, had the profound honor of visiting Phnom Penh to witness the vibrant spirit of interfaith cooperation that defines modern Cambodia.
Participating in the Interfaith Collaboration Forum at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University, Rev. Dr. Shinohara joined international colleagues and over 250 monk students to celebrate a quarter-century of religious harmony.
A Testament to Tolerance
The forum, organized by the Cambodian Inter-Religious Council (CIC), brought together leaders from Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim communities. For Rev. Dr. Shinohara, the atmosphere was one of deep sincerity and mutual respect.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Venerable Dr. Yon Seng Yeath, Rector of the University and Secretary General of the CIC, whose visionary leadership has made the university a beacon of inter-religious dialogue. The discussions following the forum focused on a singular, vital goal: how inter-religious collaboration can act as a cornerstone for lasting peace.
Wisdom Forged in History
What moved the Secretary General most was the specific nature of Cambodian harmony. It is a peace not taken for granted, but one forged through the process of overcoming a tragic and difficult history. The commitment to non-violence shown by the Cambodian religious community serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Their wisdom is a gift to the world, offering a roadmap for how societies can heal and flourish through tolerance.
“The core strength of Religions for Peace lies in this synergy: bringing invaluable local wisdom to the international stage, while utilizing our global network to support local challenges.”
Looking Toward the 10th Governance Assembly
This visit has set a profound tone for our upcoming 10th Governance Assembly this November. Rev. Dr. Shinohara is eager to bring the “Cambodian Model” of interfaith resilience to religious leaders across Asia.
By leveraging our regional network, we aim to ensure that the steadfast promotion of harmony seen in Phnom Penh inspires action in every corner of our continent. We extend our highest appreciation to the Cambodian Inter-Religious Council and the people of Cambodia for their hospitality and for lighting the way toward a more peaceful future.
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