The 3rd Science Talk is coming!

This two-week annual, comprehensive human rights and advocacy training course is the longest established human rights training program in the region, building the capacity of individuals, institutions and movements at this time of shrinking space for civil society. It builds knowledge of international human rights standards and the UN system. Similar to a summer school the program includes intensive sessions on human rights and development, advocacy and media skills. Link to registration: https://dtp.org.au/training/2025-33rd-annual-program-timor-leste/

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Background According to the Cambodia Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021–2035, data plays an increasingly important role in Cambodian public governance for several reasons. Commitment to the reforms (and continued economic growth) is expected to make Cambodia a middle-income nation by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.  The process of digital government administration begins with the formulation and adoption of necessary policies and the creation and updating of relevant legislative frameworks and regulations by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC). It continues with the development of digital government standards and architecture through principles, norms, models, technological evolution, and national and international best practices. These are the foundations for establishing digital government effectively, efficiently, and securely to support the construction and growth of a robust and dynamic digital economy and society. The Open Data Policy is one of several that the government is working on and gathering input for. In accordance with existing laws and regulations, the new Open Data Policy would define principles, standards, licenses, and procedures for opening, storing, and sharing government data with public institutions, the business sector, and individuals. The ultimate objective of open data is to increase transparency, fairness, and accountability, as well as the quality of services, hence increasing public trust in government and promoting research and innovation with sustainability and inclusion [1]. Open data will permit non-state actors to participate, offer comments, and hold the government responsible, in addition to aiding in the promotion of openness inside the government. However, non-state actors in Cambodia have only achieved sluggish advancements [2] in terms of data access and data usage for policy objectives [3]. To accomplish our shared goal of bridging the gap between government and non-state actors on open data dialogue, the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC), in partnership with The Asia Foundation, will host a two-day National Open Data Conference in Cambodia from March 26 to 27. In addition to promoting national and regional collaboration and open data efforts, we expect that the open and inclusive involvement in this event will increase public knowledge of open data and awareness of the challenges facing Cambodia’s open data adoption. The outputs from the group discussion during this two-day event will be an additional complement to the government’s efforts to develop a meaningful and effective open data policy. This National Open Data Conference 2024 is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through The Asia Foundation’s Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program. Purposes  To increase public awareness of the progress and obstacles to open data adoption in Cambodia and the region, To gather inputs and suggestions to contribute to the draft open data policy and data governance legislation, To encourage data transparency and accountability initiatives in diverse sectors, To strengthen the open data network in Cambodia and the region. Participants The National Open Data Conference will gather at least 75 participants from a variety of backgrounds, including international and local NGOs, the private sector, researchers and policymakers, indigenous youth groups, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+. Organizers Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC) is the leading open data platform in Cambodia, which makes up-to-date and reliable data and information on socioeconomic and environmental issues publicly available as a “one-stop shop”. ODC promotes the use of accurate data for evidence-based and transparent decision-making processes towards the sustainable development of the country. For the past ten years, ODC has actively worked to enhance the amount of public data, raise public awareness, and build the capacity of relevant stakeholders. ODC uses its expertise in data and ICT, mapping and GIS, digital security, and research to compile, analyze, and disseminate information in user-friendly and accessible digital formats. Material available on ODC’s online platform includes datasets, information topic pages, interactive maps, news, and legal documents, among others. ODC does not promote any particular perspective, agenda, or bias other than to provide objective information about Cambodia and its development. The Asia Foundation is implementing the Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Program between July 2023 and June 2027 with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The goal of Ponlok Chomnes II is that public policy decisions, based on evidence and informed by inclusive dialogue, are operationalised and become the norm in Cambodia.

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ICANN wants to hear from regional university students who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the ICANN81 Annual General Meeting. ICANN81 is scheduled to be held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, from 9 to 14 November 2024. If ICANN81 is held as a virtual meeting, all NextGen@ICANN program activities will be conducted online. If you are an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student between the ages of 18 to 30 and living and studying in the Asia Pacific region, you may be eligible for the NextGen@ICANN program. The NextGen@ICANN program application window will remain open until 31 May 2024. Successful candidates will be announced on 12 July 2024 on the ICANN website. For more information about the NextGen program, its eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and the application process with deadlines, please click here. Apply Click here to apply to the ICANN81 NextGen@ICANN program.

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