Example of PDA Engagement
Cambodia
The PDA in Cambodia worked with UNDP to set up an initiative promoting new and alternative media experiences to improve the relationship between the media and national authorities, as well as enhancing civil engagement in this process. This project aims to strengthen resilience of media and expand freedom of expression. Five media start-ups working on issues of public interest, all led by women, were selected through a competitive process. They received seed funding and have undergone a six-month acceleration and mentoring programme implemented by a Cambodian incubator and a regional media firm. The PDA and UNDP also mobilized the start-ups to work with social media influencers to address mis/disinformation. By early 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of social media campaigns, targeting young Cambodians, were rapidly implemented to promote social cohesion and solidarity. With UNDP, the PDA also supported the organization of a series of public events called “Cambodia Media Lab” that have so far gathered more than 200 media entrepreneurs, experts and press freedom champions from the region. With the aim to motivate and empower new voices in media, these events provided a space for open dialogue on media entrepreneurship, digital security, civic engagement and institutional resilience within the media. As a result of these engagements, the project has managed to contribute to an active media community of young Cambodian women and men. "I gained additional knowledge on how to do business and build innovative products that will help my media company run effectively and productively" noted a representative of one of the winning start-ups.
©UNDP Cambodia
