Loung Ung, a lifelong humanitarian peace activist and famous author, has shared her gratitude for the recognition her work has received from a global peace organisation.

On March 13, she took to social media to share her elation at being awarded Humanitarian Affairs Asia’s Peace Award.

“It was truly an honour to address the 3rd Global Peace Summit in Bangkok and be awarded the humanitarian affairs award for Asia,” Ung wrote.

Her interaction with young, passionate leaders at the summit left her inspired and hopeful for a future where collective efforts lead to sustainable change and a more peaceful world.

Ung’s speech at the summit not only highlighted her own journey but also served as a call to action for the next generation of leaders.

“Meeting the passionate and driven future leaders of tomorrow filled me with inspiration and hope for our shared future,” she remarked.

In an evening that celebrated the indomitable spirit of human resilience and compassion, Ung, a luminary in the crusade for peace, was the picture of grace and poise as she held aloft Humanitarian Affairs Asia’s Peace Award.

The stage was set against the solemn grandeur of the UN emblem, a fitting tableau for a momentous occasion.

Her radiant smile told the story of her triumph over adversity and of battles fought for the sanctity of peace and human rights.

The award presenter shared in the light of Ung’s accomplishment, her expression mirroring the collective pride of the assembled witnesses.

The speech she delivered at the summit, which took place from January 10 to 12 in the Thai capital, not only highlighted her own journey but also served as a call to action for the next generation of leaders.

According to Ung, the event serves as a pivotal platform for those dedicated to peace-building and making a tangible impact on the world.

Impactful humanitarian work

Humanitarian Affairs Asia’s Peace Award honours significant contributions to peace and humanitarian efforts, recognising individuals or organisations that promote peace, human rights and alleviate suffering.

It celebrates impactful humanitarian work, encouraging further action and awareness within the Asian context.

Ung’s address to the audience during the award ceremony was more than just an acceptance speech; it was a stirring narrative of her life’s journey and a call to arms for the future guardians of peace.

“I feel so much gratitude, and I believe our world has a real chance with you as leaders,” she said, encouraging a new generation to embark on the daunting yet noble path of creating a better, safer world.

Ung, best known for her gripping memoir – First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers – was celebrated not just for her literary prowess, but for her indomitable spirit and commitment to peace-building and human rights.

Ung’s journey from a child survivor of the Cambodian genocide to an international symbol of resilience and peace demonstrates the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.

Her experiences during the harrowing years of the Khmer Rouge regime have shaped her into a vocal advocate for human rights, particularly in her work against landmines.

Ung’s narrative, as detailed in her memoir, serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities during the Khmer Rouge era, ensuring that the world never forgets the impacts of such cruelty.

Her words resonated deeply, bridging the gap between her past – a childhood marred by war, displacement and survival in a country engulfed by genocide – and the present, where she stands as an emblem of hope and possibility.

Ung reminded her audience that she had not earned the award all on her own; it was the culmination of countless acts of kindness, leadership and community spirit.

Her speech included reflections on inner peace and the multifaceted nature of her peace-building efforts. 
She evoked her personal history, sharing with the audience her memories of a Cambodia not yet synonymous with the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, but of a land rich in history, culture and spirituality.

“If you have been to Cambodia, you know that we are a land of ancient temples. Over 400 temples have already been discovered, each of them is chiselled with stories of past lives from up to 1,200 years ago. We are a land where 95 per cent of the population are Buddhists,” she said.

The collaboration between Ung and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to bring First They Killed My Father to the silver screen further amplified her message, showcasing the healing power of storytelling in the journey towards peace.

Ung’s efforts extend beyond her personal story, embodying a broader commitment to global peace-building and the eradication of landmines.