Phnom Penh, 26 September 2024: Japan's long-standing commitment to global peace and development is exemplified by its approach to human security and peace building in Cambodia. Following Cambodia's internal conflicts, including the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent civil wars, Japan has played a crucial role in recovery efforts, with a focus on these areas. In this context, Prof. Akiko Yamanaka, Special Advisor to ERIA’s President, Former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Special Ambassador for Peacebuilding, delivered a lecture titled ‘Human Security and Peace Building: From the Perspective and Practice of Japan’ to students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).

The lecture opened with special remarks from H.E. Ueno Atsushi, Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia, who emphasised that Japan’s approach to human security and peace building in Cambodia reflects its broader foreign policy objectives of promoting peace, stability, and development in the region. He highlighted Japan's involvement in Cambodia’s peace process and reconstruction efforts. Prof. Oum Ravy, Vice Rector of RUPP, also expressed appreciation for the insights shared by both H.E. Ueno and Prof. Yamanaka. Ravindra Ngo, Founder of the Asian Network, provided introductory remarks.

In her lecture, Prof. Yamanaka traced the historical relationship between Japan and Cambodia, which dates back to 1603, and discussed the distinction between traditional and human security. She elaborated on the role of preventive diplomacy in fostering international peace and security by averting conflicts between nations. Moreover, she emphasised the importance of women-led decision-making in promoting peace and fostering social and economic development. Prof. Yamanaka concluded by advocating for social resilience, multilateral cooperation, and a balanced approach to ensure peace and stability in an increasingly polarised world.

The public lecture was held in the Angkor Kizuna Hall at the Cambodia–Japan Cooperation Center and attracted approximately 200 Cambodian students. The students actively engaged in a discussion session that explored modern perspectives on peace, the interplay between national and multilateral interests, policy recommendations for enhancing human security and economic development in Cambodia, and the vital roles of women and youth in maintaining peace amidst the country’s progressive economic development. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Un Leang, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at RUPP.