Group Invitation Program for Next Generation Experts in ASEAN (Cohort2: Interfaith Dialogue) Chhour Sopannha

Chhour Sopannha (Cambodia)
Secretary of state and chef cabinet of Minister, Ministry of Cult and Religion

Final Report

Participation in the ten-day ASEAN–Japan Next-Generation Experts Programme, “Overcoming Social Division through Religion: Japan–ASEAN Interfaith Dialogue,” organised by the Japan Foundation, provided a valuable opportunity to examine the role of religion in promoting social cohesion and addressing emerging societal challenges within pluralistic contexts. As the sole Cambodian participant, this engagement also enabled a constructive reflection on Cambodia’s Buddhist-informed socio-cultural context within the broader ASEAN and Japanese interfaith landscape.

1. Key Takeaways: Interfaith Engagement as Practical Cooperation

One of the key insights from the programme is the importance of advancing interfaith engagement beyond dialogue toward practical cooperation. While interfaith dialogue remains essential for fostering mutual understanding, the programme demonstrated that its impact is significantly strengthened when translated into collaborative action addressing shared societal concerns.

Observations from Tokyo, Sendai, and Ishinomaki highlighted multi-faith initiatives supporting vulnerable populations, including assistance to the homeless, support for migrant communities, and psychosocial care for individuals affected by natural disasters. These practices illustrate how religious actors can contribute constructively to social welfare and community resilience.

Such initiatives reflect the development of bridging social capital, strengthening trust and cooperation across diverse communities. They also demonstrate how religious institutions can complement existing social service systems through community-based engagement.

2. Role of Religion: Reflections from Japan and Cambodia

The role of religion in Japan presents a nuanced model in which religious values are expressed through community-oriented service rather than overt institutional visibility. Religious leaders and organizations contribute quietly but meaningfully to social well-being, particularly in times of crisis.

In Cambodia, Buddhism continues to play a central role as both a spiritual and socio-cultural institution. Core principles such as dukkha (understanding of suffering), karuṇā (compassion), mettā (loving-kindness), and upāya (skillful means) provide an ethical foundation that supports social harmony and mutual care. Religious institutions, particularly pagodas, have historically contributed to education, social support, and post-conflict reconciliation.

Cambodia’s experience of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities reflects ASEAN’s guiding principle of unity in diversity. This provides a strong basis for further strengthening interfaith collaboration in support of social cohesion.

3. Religion and Peacebuilding

The programme further highlighted the contribution of religion to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive peace, understood not only as the absence of conflict but also as the presence of social stability, inclusion, and well-being.

• Religion contributes to peacebuilding through several complementary functions, including:
• Promoting ethical values that encourage non-violence and mutual respect
• Strengthening social cohesion and trust within and across communities
• Supporting resilience and recovery in times of crisis
• Facilitating dialogue and reconciliation processes

The concept of interdependence (paṭicca-samuppāda) offers a useful perspective in understanding the interconnected nature of social challenges such as poverty, marginalization, and post-disaster recovery. Addressing these issues requires coordinated and inclusive approaches involving multiple stakeholders.

In this regard, religion may be considered as a form of social support infrastructure, contributing to stability and complementing broader governance and development efforts within ASEAN.

4. Implications for Future Engagement

The programme has provided valuable insights that may inform future academic and professional engagement. In particular, it highlights the importance of:

• Encouraging structured interfaith collaboration within community development initiatives
• Promoting interfaith education and awareness, especially among youth
• Supporting community-based programmes that address social vulnerability
• Strengthening cooperation among religious institutions, civil society, and public sector actors

Continued engagement with institutions such as the Japan Foundation will be beneficial in further developing and implementing such initiatives.

5. Recommendations

Based on the above observations and reflections, the following recommendations are respectfully proposed:

A. Programme Continuity :The programme may be further developed as a sustained platform to support participating countries in implementing follow-up activities, including continued engagement among participants from all 11 countries.

B. ASEAN–Japan Interfaith Network : Consideration may be given to establishing an ASEAN–Japan Interfaith Network to facilitate ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives.

C. Interfaith Education for Youth : Greater emphasis may be placed on promoting interfaith education to foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among younger generations.

D. Community-Based Initiatives :Support may be extended to community-level interfaith programmes addressing social issues such as poverty, mental health, and disaster response.

E. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships
Further strengthening of partnerships among religious institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies would contribute to the effectiveness and sustainability of interfaith initiatives.

F. Project Development and Funding Support
The Japan Foundation may consider encouraging and supporting participants in developing project proposals aligned with the programme’s objectives, including facilitating access to relevant funding mechanisms to support practical implementation at national and community levels.

6. Acknowledgement and Continued Engagement

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Japan Foundation for organizing this valuable programme and for providing an inclusive platform for dialogue, exchange, and learning among participants from ASEAN and Japan.

I would also respectfully express my willingness to continue contributing to future initiatives of a similar nature. Should opportunities arise, I would be honoured to participate as a technical contributor or resource person, supporting knowledge-sharing and programme implementation, whether in Japan or in collaboration with ASEAN stakeholders.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, this programme demonstrates the constructive role that religion can play in supporting social cohesion and inclusive development. Strengthening interfaith engagement, when grounded in shared values and practical cooperation, may contribute positively to building a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive ASEAN community.