Starting Point
From a childhood witnessing the complexities of Kampong Cham province, Chhiv Kimsrun emerged as a dedicated force for peace. Born on 1 January 1980, his early experiences instilled in her a profound understanding of conflict and a compelling drive to foster harmony. This journey led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Applied Conflict Transformation Studies (ACTS) from the Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, building upon a strong academic foundation that included a Master's degree in Public Administration and Bachelor's degrees in Education and Biology. Her commitment to effective communication was further solidified through certifications in Translation and Interpreting.
Kimsrun’s career has been a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, all pointing towards a central theme: building bridges and mitigating harm. For nearly eight years at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), she was instrumental in managing programmes that fostered democratic processes. She adeptly supported local partners, planned impactful constituency dialogues and candidate debates, and facilitated communication between diverse stakeholders, including political parties, government officials, and civil society organisations. Her ability to translate not just languages but also perspectives proved invaluable in these roles.
Peace Journey
Since transitioning to freelance consulting in 2017, Kimsrun’s impact has broadened significantly. She has become a sought-after expert in applying the "Do No Harm" principle, conducting numerous workshops for organisations working on the ground, ensuring their interventions contribute to peace rather than unintended conflict. Her expertise has guided a diverse range of organisations, from child protection agencies to environmental conservation projects. She has facilitated crucial conversations, moderated high-level meetings for international organisations like the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and Heinrich Böll Stiftung, and contributed her evaluation skills to projects funded by the European Union and SIDA.
Her dedication extends beyond training and facilitation. Kimsrun has actively contributed to research on sensitive issues like gender-based violence and child labour. She consistently strives to bring a nuanced understanding to complex social challenges. She has developed vital training manuals and assessment tools, empowering local organisations to be more effective and ethically grounded in their work. Her commitment to peacebuilding is further evidenced by her active membership in Do No Harm Cambodia and the Global Partnership for Prevention of Arms Conflict, as well as her past roles as Board Chairman of Women Peace Makers and board member of other key development organisations.
Success Stories
Kimsrun’s journey has been enriched by continuous learning, including international training in mediation, child labour remediation, and peace research methodologies. Her participation in peacebuilders' forums in Myanmar and workshops in Thailand underscores his regional and global perspective. Now serving as the Assistant to the Cabinet of the President of the Senate, Kimsrun continues to bring her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to fostering a more peaceful and just society in Cambodia and beyond. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the power of dedicated individuals in the pursuit of lasting peace.