'Listening and understanding the past with respect and trust,' was the central process of the 4th Cambodia-Vietnam Dialogue (CVD), which took place 7–16 March in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Fourth Cambodia Vietnam Dialogue, Phnom Penh

The Cambodia-Vietnam dialogues started in 2004 at an IofC hosted Asia Pacific Youth Conference in Siem Reap. Many older people carry bitter memories of the Cambodia/Vietnam war in the late 70s and 80s, and have passed on a legacy of mistrust to younger generations. At that conference a conversation started between young Cambodians and Vietnamese, and since then, grass-roots teams in both countries have taken up the challenge of bringing young people together to help dispel the misunderstandings and fears. Funding for this fourth Cambodia-Vietnam Dialogue (CVD) was given by the American Friends Service Committee, the Church World Service, the German Development Service, Maryknoll and the Mennonite Central Committee.

From the moment the 50 Vietnamese and Cambodian participants were welcomed in Phnom Penh,, the fourth CVD was packed with activities, drawing on the experience of previous dialogues. Opening the dialogue, H E Son Soubert, a Member of the Constitutional Council of the Kingdom of Cambodia, quoted the Buddha: 'Do not believe what I have said, but look for yourself.' The participants did just that, listening to each other’s stories, learning how to cook dishes from each other's countries and enjoying games and cultural activities together.

Each day started with a time of silent reflection in which participants were invited to look at their own lives from the perspective of universal moral values to see what needed to be put right. Workshops were given on themes such as 'discover the other', 'finding work' and 'creativity'. Other sessions included 'understanding our history' and 'non-violent communication'.

At the end of the process, participants were invited to evaluate the dialogue. Comments included:

• I must find out about past mistakes and, together with the Vietnamese friends, shape the future relationship among young people
• 'My time at CVD has made me more positive about the way I feel towards my neighbours. I am happy that I have dropped the heaviness in my heart.'
• 'CVD gave me a space where I could share my true feelings, without judgement.'
• 'I discovered something I did not know for many years; I would like to keep in touch with my new friends.'
• I would like to know more about history. Before CVD4, history was deadly boring to me. CVD change me to want to learn more about my background, my identity.

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