Over sixty Khmer Krom representatives travelling from various locations across the world flocked to the city of Philadelphia to attend the first ever Khmer Krom World Youth Conference held on 12-13 May 2007.
Organized by the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation in conjunction with the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation Youth Committee, the event was the first of its kind to be organized by Khmer Krom youths aimed at recruiting youths to be active in advocating for rights on behalf of their people in Kampuchea-Krom.
Mr. Serey Chau, President of the KKFYC was amongst the four other vice presidents coming from across the globe to share their experiences working hand in hand with KKF.
Hosted in the local Khmer Krom temple in Philadelphia, the conference was supported and attended by many youths and elders representing KKF, Khmer Krom Buddhist monks from the United Khmer Krom Buddhist Association, KKF Women Commission and the general Khmer Krom community.
After the opening remarks Mr. Chau Serey, Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach, KKF President spoke about the achievements and objectives of KKF movement. He reiterated the important role of youths in continuing the human right struggle. Venerable Berong, a young Khmer Krom Buddhist monk and member of the United Khmer Krom Buddhist Monk Association spoke about the important role that Buddhist plays in the life of Khmer Krom individuals.
KKFYC Adviser, Dr. Chang spoke about the crucial need of effective communication and higher education amongst Khmer Krom youth around the world. A brief overview of the human rights instruments and the process of self determination were then spoken by Joshua Cooper, UNPO advisor to KKF.
Mr. ToKim Thong, Chairman of KKF also took the opportunity to enlighten the youth about lessons that we should learn from our Khmer Krom history. He spoke about the meaning behind the term Funan and the role that Khmer Krom women play in ruling the country.
The afternoon session provided a unique opportunity for current members of the KKFYC to share their stories and experiences of being involved first hand with KKF. Amongst the speakers include Miss Sothy Kien, Mr. Jeffrey Kim, Mr. Serey Chau, Mr. Soda Huu, Mr. Romy Thach and Mr. Samon Thach.
The session also opened the floor for new and interested youths to meet one another and work out ways in which they could positive contribute to the organisation. A question and answer session also allowed the new and established youths to have a rich dialogue on how their work makes an important difference to the Khmer Krom movement.
The conference was held the weekend before the start of the UNPFII at its sixth session so that new youths interested were able to attend the Forum after the meeting.
The KKFYC would like to express their sincere thanks to all the inspirational speakers who took the time and effort to speak about their experiences. A big thank you must be extended to Khmer Krom people in local Philadelphia for organising a place and food for all our youths and delegations who attended. Extra thanks to all the youths who took the time to fly from all corners of the globe to attend this conference and we hope that many more will join KKFYC to fight for the right of the Khmer Krom people.
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