Students at Ang Preah Sdach Primary School
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) places special importance on developing the character and leadership of young people as they navigate today’s complex social, political, and environmental challenges. Through programs that encourage living for the greater good, dreaming big, taking ownership, and practicing teamwork, GPF equips youth with the values and skills to lead with both vision and integrity. Leadership is cultivated not only through education and training but also through lived experiences that promote creativity, responsibility, and service. In Cambodia, this commitment was realized through the Youth Development Program, which unfolded in July and August 2025 across Phnom Penh city and Takeo province, bringing together students, volunteers, educators, and community leaders in a shared journey of growth and peacebuilding.
The program integrated various signature initiatives, including One Book, One Love, Youth4Peace, PeaceTalk, Green Lights, and the One Korea Global Campaign. Together, these efforts engaged hundreds of young people, educators, and community leaders in activities rooted in service, interfaith understanding, and values-based leadership.
Students at Ang Preah Sdach Primary School
In July, much of the focus was on preparation, training, and partnerships. Youth were mentored as speakers for the YOUth Day event organized with AIESEC Cambodia, an initiative that explored future-ready skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and adaptability. These sessions helped young people articulate their ideas with confidence while aligning their experiences with the demands of the 21st century. At the same time, Youth4Peace volunteers participated in a Training of Trainers at TUX Global Institute, where they acquired communication and leadership tools to guide upcoming sessions in Takeo Province. These engagements reflected three essential elements of peacebuilding: interfaith leadership, strengthening families, and building a culture of service.
August marked the peak of community engagement with large-scale activities in Takeo Province. The fourth annual One Book One Love campaign was held at
Students at Ang Preah Sdach Primary School
and brought together 350 students and 45 volunteers. Over 1,200 educational resources were mobilized and distributed. Distinguished guests from local government, schools, and partner organizations emphasized the role of education and volunteer service as cornerstones of societal transformation. Beyond receiving books and materials, students participated in creative learning and cultural exploration, experiences that reinforced shared values and strengthened bonds of unity.
Additionally, Youth4Peace training sessions at Ang Preah Sdach High School engaged 210 students from grades 10 to 12. Supported by 45 volunteer trainers, the program focused on self-awareness, leadership, and experiential learning. Students were encouraged to explore their personal growth, broaden their perspectives, and envision themselves as peacemakers and community leaders. Later in the month, the Youth4Peace Batch 1 Graduation recognized six months of service by dedicated volunteers. The graduation ceremony was both a celebration and a commitment, as participants received certificates of completion and pledged to carry forward the program’s mission.
In addition to direct training and campaigns, the program also prioritized sustainability and transition. Meetings were held with Youth4Peace volunteers and the United Nations Youth Advisory Panel Cambodia to ensure the continuity of initiatives such as PeaceTalks and the International Day of Peace Annual Talks. These efforts reflected the commitment to ensuring that youth-led movements could sustain themselves beyond program cycles and continue to inspire communities.
Altogether, the July and August initiatives engaged more than 900 participants, including students, teachers, NGO leaders, and community representatives. The program not only expanded networks of staff, volunteers, and sponsors but also deepened the participants’ understanding of the vision of One Family under God. Through education, dialogue, and acts of service, young people developed the skills to assess community challenges, propose creative solutions, and lead with compassion and responsibility.
The impact of these efforts extended far beyond individual growth. By equipping Cambodian youth with moral and interfaith leadership skills, the program has created a foundation for long-term societal change. Partnerships with schools, government agencies, civil society groups, and international organizations amplified the reach and sustainability of the initiatives, making them a vital part of Cambodia’s peacebuilding landscape.
The Youth Development Program in Cambodia shows how character and leadership development can transform young people into active contributors to peace and social progress. By putting youth leadership development into action, the program nurtured leaders who will carry the values learned into every sphere of life. In doing so, the peacebuilding team in Cambodia strengthened the foundation for a new generation of ethical, compassionate, and solution-driven leaders who reflect the vision of One Family under God and embody GPF’s global commitment to building cohesive and prosperous societies.
Learn more Cambodia | Global Peace Foundation.
