In a world increasingly fraught with conflicts and divisions, Cambodia’s journey toward peace
offers valuable lessons for humanity. Hun Sen ended decades of civil war in Cambodia with his
“win-win policy,” employing tolerance and pragmatic leadership to rebuild the nation from the
ruins of war. This prioritization of peace and reconciliation holds profound relevance for the
education sector, providing insights on combating extremism and fostering a new generation that
values peace, rationality, and cooperation.
This article aims to explore how Hun Sen’s approach to leading Cambodia toward peace can be
incorporated into the global education system, particularly in early childhood and family
education. By learning from Cambodia’s experiences, we can equip the next generation to grow
into global citizens who reject extremism and uphold the values of peace and understanding.
The Core of Hun Sen’s Approach: Win-Win and Tolerance
Hun Sen’s leadership can be distilled into three key principles:
- Peace as a Priority: Regardless of ideology, peace serves as the foundation for national
development. - Tolerance and Reconciliation: By integrating opposition factions rather than purging
them, a more inclusive political environment was created. - Pragmatism: Avoiding rigid doctrines and adapting policies to meet real-world needs.
These principles extend beyond politics and can be instilled in the next generation through the
education system, helping them understand the importance of peace and reconciliation while
countering the roots of extremism in thoughts and actions.
Planting the Seeds of Peace: Starting with Early Childhood Education - Fostering Empathy and Inclusivity
o Interactive Games: Design collaborative activities in early education, such as
team-building exercises, to teach children the value of working together.
o Multicultural Stories: Introduce storybooks from diverse cultural backgrounds to
promote inclusivity and appreciation of diversity. o Conflict and Resolution Roleplay: Simulate scenarios where children learn to - resolve conflicts through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.
- Creating a “Culture of Peace” in Daily Life
o Peace Rituals: Establish daily classroom rituals, such as moments of mindfulness
or dialogue, to reinforce themes of peace.
o Conflict Resolution Models: Guide children to resolve disagreements through
conversation instead of punitive measures, instilling non-violent values.
The Role of Family Education: Guidance and Example - A Non-Confrontational Communication Environment
o Parents as Role Models: Parents must demonstrate rationality and tolerance in
their daily interactions, showing that conflicts can be resolved without
confrontation.
o Family Meetings: Encourage open family discussions where children can freely
express opinions and learn to respect differing views. - Reinforcing Core Values
o Everyday Conversations: Use real-life situations to discuss the contrast between
peace and extremism, such as analyzing news events together.
o Diverse Reading Materials: Provide books on cultural diversity and historical
examples, such as Cambodia’s transition from war to peace, to help children
understand the value of peace.
Establishing an “Anti-Extremism” Framework in School Education - Learning from Cambodian History
o Case Studies: Incorporate Cambodia’s peace process into history lessons,
demonstrating how Hun Sen used tolerance and pragmatism to achieve national
reconciliation.
o War vs. Peace Comparisons: Teach students to rationally reject extremism by
contrasting the devastation of war with the benefits of peace. - Ethics and Social Responsibility Education
o Moral Dilemma Exercises: Encourage discussions on ethical choices in social
conflicts, helping students understand the feasibility of peaceful solutions.
o Community Service Projects: Engage students in community service to
experience the importance of diversity and cooperation firsthand. - Global Perspective and Spirit of Cooperation
o Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Foster dialogue between students from different
cultural backgrounds through international exchange programs. o Model United Nations: Organize simulations of international negotiations to - teach peace-building and diplomacy skills.
- Technological Support: ChatGPT as a Tool for Peace Education
- Artificial intelligence can play a pivotal role in advancing peace education:
- Personalized Learning: ChatGPT can provide tailored peace education content suited to
different age groups and comprehension levels. - Guided Conversations: Teachers can use ChatGPT to simulate complex social issues and
guide students in analyzing problems from multiple perspectives, avoiding simplistic
oppositions. - Cross-Cultural Communication: ChatGPT can serve as a translation tool to facilitate
dialogue among students worldwide, enhancing their awareness of cultural differences
and peace values.
Conclusion: Building a Peaceful Future Through Education
Cambodia’s peace process under Hun Sen’s leadership offers vital lessons for the world. Inspired
by this example, education systems should focus on cultivating values of peace, tolerance, and
rationality, starting from early childhood and family education. By adopting Hun Sen’s pragmatic
and reconciliatory approach, we can plant seeds of peace in the hearts of children, leaving no
room for extremism and paving the way for a brighter future for humanity.
Three decades have passed swiftly. I write to share my thoughts, reflections, and experiences
with the public. - Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew
- Morning of November 29, 2024