Jakarta, 6 May 2025: ERIA highlighted the critical role of leadership in achieving sustainable peace by hosting Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, as the keynote speaker for the second ERIA School of Government Leadership Lecture Series.

Reflecting on Cambodia’s journey of reconciliation, Samdech Techo Hun Sen shared key insights into how dialogue and political resolution laid the foundation for national stability and long-term development.

In his opening remarks, Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government, expressed his deep honour in welcoming Samdech Techo, stating that Cambodia’s experience in building peace has become a cornerstone for regional stability in Southeast Asia.

‘As Southeast Asian students, I believe that one of the main reasons we are currently enjoying the ‘dividend of peace’ is due to the successful reconciliation process in Cambodia. Without the leadership of Samdech Techo and the resilience of the Cambodian people in overcoming the tragedy of the 1970s, our region would not be as secure as it is today,’ said Prof. Aizawa at ERIA’s Office in Jakarta.

Prof. Aizawa also emphasised the importance of preserving leadership experiences to promote peace across generations:

‘At the ERIA School of Government, we believe that sharing these invaluable experiences is essential to nurturing a future generation of leaders committed to peace, prosperity, and regional co-operation. Samdech Techo’s leadership journey offers profound lessons for all policymakers and students of governance,’ he added.

Tetsuya Watanabe, President of ERIA, praised Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s pivotal role in Cambodia’s transformation:

‘Today’s lecture invites us to reflect not only on Cambodia’s remarkable transformation but also on the leadership behind it. Samdech Techo’s name is inseparable from Cambodia’s peace process. Through decades of dedication, determination, and diplomacy, he helped transform a war-torn nation into one defined by peace and growth,’ said President Watanabe.

Delivering his keynote address titled ’Peace and National Reconciliation in Cambodia: Lessons for Southeast Asia’, Samdech Techo Hun Sen shared his belief that Cambodia’s Win-Win Policy remains a powerful model for achieving inclusive and lasting peace.

‘The Win-Win Policy successfully laid the foundation for full peace and territorial unity in Cambodia in 1998 – without the shedding of blood,’ he said.

Samdech Techo also recounted personal moments of sacrifice, particularly his flight to Viet Nam in 1977. While he could have sought asylum, he chose instead to request Viet Nam’s assistance in liberating Cambodia from the genocidal Pol Pot regime.

‘Without Viet Nam’s support, no country would have dared to overthrow the bloody regime. It is vital that we protect this historical truth so that such atrocities are never repeated,’ he stated.

He further reflected on Cambodia’s post-liberation challenges following 7 January 1979, including rebuilding governance, reviving the economy, and ensuring food security:

‘We bore the heavy responsibility of rebuilding the country from the ground up – protecting our people, rebuilding institutions, and reviving the economy,’ he said.

In addition, he highlighted Indonesia’s important role in the peace process. Samdech Techo recalled initiating the creation of a High-Level National Unification Council, which was first discussed during the Jakarta Informal Meeting I (JIM I), although no agreement was reached at that time. Nevertheless, Jakarta played a pivotal role, as the composition of the Supreme National Council was later determined during a subsequent meeting held in the city.

Samdech Techo stressed that political peace must be achieved through negotiations and resolutions amongst Cambodians, not military means. He also underscored the enduring value of peace and the importance of historical awareness in preventing future conflict.

The event was attended by prominent figures and academics, affirming the ERIA School of Government’s commitment to cultivating future leaders who will advance peace, reconciliation, and co-operation across Southeast Asia.