BATTAMBANG, Cambodia — The historic dedication conference for the local Baha'i House of Worship in Battambang concluded today just before dusk. Highlights and interviews from day 2 are captured in a short video.

Throughout the weekend, speakers highlighted the significance of the House of Worship for the region and for the Baha'i community in Cambodia.

The transformation of the land on which the Temple was built symbolized a process of spiritual and social transformation that had been unfolding in the region in recent years and lends hope for even greater advancement in the years to come.

"Once a barren and very quiet place, which not many people would want to pass through, it has now turned into a beautiful garden, attracting people from all walks of life, day and night," stated Chiem Chan Sophoan, Deputy Governor of Battambang, in his remarks at the conference.

"I would like to emphasize that this local House of Worship will be assuming a very important role in unifying all people of different religions," he continued. "This House of Worship will not only be one of the public attractions in Battambang, but it will also attract spirituality for the people who will be gathering in this edifice."

Visits to the Temple continued throughout the day, allowing the 2,500 people attending the conference to enter that sacred space, immerse themselves in prayer and meditation, and hear the uplifting welcome of the representative of the Universal House of Justice for the dedication, Ms. Sokuntheary Reth, who serves as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia.

The Temple will officially open to the public on 5 September 2017.