A Solemn Appeal for World Peace and an Urgent Plea for Peace in Cambodia

Addressed to the Leaders of the United Nations and the International Community

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Leaders of the United Nations,

Our world has entered an era of extraordinary material achievement. Through remarkable advances in science and technology—aviation, maritime engineering, medicine, communication, and modern industry—human civilization has reached levels of power and efficiency unimaginable in earlier ages. From a spiritual perspective, many traditions recognize this era as a rare and significant period in human history, illuminated by profound wisdom teachings that emphasize peace, compassion, and moral responsibility.

Yet, despite this progress, humanity continues to suffer.

Economic and military power remain deeply unequal. While some nations have grown increasingly wealthy and influential, others remain poor, vulnerable, and dependent. Too often, this imbalance has given rise to domination by the strong over the weak, leading to armed conflict, displacement of civilians, destruction of cultural and religious heritage, and grave violations of human dignity. History has shown us repeatedly that when power is not guided by moral restraint and compassion, suffering multiplies.

At the root of many of today’s conflicts lies not only political disagreement, but a troubling decline in ethical leadership—where pride, fear, and the pursuit of advantage overshadow empathy, dialogue, and respect for human life.

As a Buddhist practitioner from a developing nation, I humbly appeal to the United Nations and to all world leaders to consider global leadership not solely through legal, strategic, or political frameworks, but also through the timeless principles of compassion, moral accountability, and shared humanity. These values are not religious ideals alone; they are universal foundations for lasting peace.

At this critical moment, the people of Cambodia are enduring profound suffering. Innocent civilians have been caught in acts of violence. Homes and places of worship have been damaged. Buddhist temples—symbols of peace, learning, and spiritual refuge—have been destroyed. Monks, children, and non-combatants have lost their lives. Such acts, regardless of justification, violate the most basic principles of international humanitarian law and human conscience.

As one of the innocent victims of this undeclared violence, I respectfully and urgently call upon the United Nations, international institutions, and responsible world leaders to intervene through peaceful means—to investigate, mediate, and work toward an immediate cessation of hostilities. Violence against civilians, religious communities, and cultural heritage must never be tolerated in the modern world.

Peace cannot be secured through force alone. True peace arises from justice, restraint, dialogue, and compassion. When innocent lives are protected, when the weak are defended, and when moral courage guides political power, humanity as a whole is uplifted.

I appeal to your wisdom, your conscience, and your shared responsibility to humanity.
May leadership be guided by compassion rather than domination.
May dialogue replace violence.
May justice protect the innocent.
And may lasting peace prevail—for Cambodia, and for our world.

With the deepest respect and sincere hope,

Kol Pheng, Ph.D.
Founder and President of Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia – PUC
Buddhist Practitioner and Advocate for Peace
Cambodia