More than 50 experts from seven Asian countries participated on the “International Meeting on Archives and Memory for Conflict Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in Southeast Asia” that held in the city of Cheongju, Republic of Korea (photo/©mediaVMAP)
Cheongju, May 27–28, 2025 – Timor-Leste took part in this prestigious forum through the presence of Mr. Manuel Pereira, representing the Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, His Excellency Adérito Hugo da Costa. In his speech, Mr. Pereira expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the Government of Timor-Leste for the organization of this international platform, which enabled cross-country exchanges of experiences and learning in efforts toward reconciliation and peacebuilding.
“Our country stands as living proof that reconciliation is a long process that requires acknowledgment of past wounds, the courage to forgive, and a shared commitment to breaking the cycle of violence,” Mr. Pereira stated in his remarks.
Over the two-day event, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the role of archives and historical records in fostering social cohesion and reconciliation, especially in countries that have experienced severe conflict such as Timor-Leste, Cambodia, and Korea. Experts presented case studies on how archives have been used as tools for collective healing – through public education, historical research, and the preservation of essential documents.
Mr. Choi Yoon-Myung, Secretary General of ICDH, emphasized that the preservation of documentary heritage is a foundation for sustainable peace. “This meeting is both a moment of reflection on Asia’s dark history and a call to build a peaceful future through shared memory,” he said.
The event also featured special sessions on archiving practices, risk management, international cooperation, and strategies for nominating documents to UNESCO’s Memory of the World program. These sessions fostered transnational professional networks expected to grow through collaborative research and future conferences planned by ICDH.
The opening ceremony was attended by around 80 participants, including national archive officials from Southeast Asian countries such as Timor-Leste, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Cheongju, His Excellency Beomseok Lee, and representatives from the Cheongju Early Printing Museum, who reaffirmed the city’s commitment to preserving history and promoting peace dialogue.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Pereira – again representing the Honourable Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Adérito Hugo da Costa – expressed deep respect to all the organizers, particularly Mr. Cho Yoon-Myung and the ICDH team, for their exceptional hospitality and coordination. He also extended heartfelt thanks to Mayor Lee for the warm welcome extended by the city of Cheongju, which he described as a beautiful blend of modernity and cultural heritage.
He added that during the two-day seminar, participants gained new insights from the stories of resilience of nations such as Timor-Leste, Korea, and Cambodia. The short visit to the Jikji Museum and presentations from Jeju 4.3, Korean Democracy Foundation (KDF), the Aceh Tsunami Museum, and the Museum of War, Women and Human Rights served as reminders of the vital role of memory as a space for learning and healing.
“We leave Cheongju not only with full hearts and stronger friendships, but also with renewed determination to continue working together for reconciliation, peace, and shared memory in this region,” Mr. Pereira concluded.
In addition to the Government, the Timor-Leste team participated fully through the Chega National Centre, AMRT, and the National Archives.
This event was made possible with the full support of KOICA and UNESCO. The meeting in Cheongju demonstrated that archives are not merely stacks of documents, but bridges between generations that help us understand the past, reconstruct inclusive narratives, and walk toward a peaceful future. End.