Public Lecture Series: "United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia: Eyewitness History"

On January 20, 2017, Dr. Benny Widyono, a professor of Economics at the University of Connecticut (Stamford, Connecticut - USA), delivered a guest lecture at Zaman University titled “United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia: Eyewitness History.” The talk is a part of Paragon International University’s Public Lecture Series and is organized with the support from the Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) and the Human Science Encounters in Phnom Penh (HSEPP).

Dr. Benny Widyono is a former senior United Nations diplomat from Indonesia who served in two capacities in Cambodia: 1. During the UNTAC period as an UNTAC “governor” in the province of Siemreap from 1992-1993 and 2. As the Political Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to the New Royal Government of Cambodia, 1994-97. His talk is based on his book entitled: Dancing in Shadows: Sihanouk, The Khmer Rouge and the United Nations in Cambodia, which has been translated into Khmer by CKS.

Dr. Widyono began his talk by discussing the regional and global hegemonic rivalry during the Cold War period, and eventually, the Paris Peace Agreement and the establishment of UNTAC in Cambodia. He recounted his story of engagement through his position as UNTAC Siem Reap governor and shared with the audience several interesting anecdotes, as well as his view about the shortcomings and success of UNTAC operations in Cambodia.  

After the talk, the audience had a chance to interact with Prof. Widyono in the Q&A session and had their purchased book signed.