2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting

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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ASEAN-China Youth Exchange Camp is a collaborative programme between the ASEAN Foundation and the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN through the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund. It aims to promote the significance and understanding of ASEAN-China relations. During the implementation, ASEAN Foundation will work with Xiamen University as the appointed local organiser. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application through https://bit.ly/ASEANChina_YECFrom_ASEAN (for ASEAN Students) and https://bit.ly/ASEANChina_YECForm_China (for China students) by 10 July 2024. Incomplete completion of the form will not be further processed for shortlisting. Don’t let go of this once-in-a-life time opportunity of becoming a cadre of future young leaders! For inquiries, please contact ACYC@aseanfoundation.org

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Data visualization is the modern journalist\'s secret method in today\'s media landscape, where attention lengths are short and complexity abounds. It is the tool that enables stories to transcend the limitations of words, connecting with audiences through images that are meaningful to them. Journalists who master data visualization can easily navigate a flood of information, extracting patterns from chaos and presenting them in a way that is not only engaging but also immediately understandable. This training allows journalists to connect the power of data visualization, allowing them to skill narratives, engage, and leave a fast mark on the developing fabric of journalism. With our \"Data Visualization in Journalism\" training, you can embark on a transformative journalistic journey that explores the intersection of data and narrative. Data visualization, the art of transforming raw data into compelling visuals, is more than a skill; it\'s a narrative accelerator. In an age when information bombards our senses, journalists with data visualization skills gain the ability to change complex datasets, transforming them into impactful graphs, interactive charts, and dynamic maps that bring stories to life. This course provides an opportunity to seamlessly combine journalistic skills with data-driven precision, unleashing the potential of visual storytelling to captivate, inform, and inspire. Purpose The purpose of data visualization in journalism training is to equip journalists with the skills to integrate visual elements into their storytelling, enabling them to convey information, engage audiences, and unveil deeper narratives through impactful and accessible graphics. What will you learn? Understanding data: Understand how data represent reality. Recognize data type, data structure, and format as a means to understand how to prepare data for fulfilling the visualization. Principles of data visualization: Learn to understand the role of visualization in journalism. How to choose the right visual for a desirable purpose and get familiarity with commonly used visualization types. Principle of chart design: Learn how to design a good chart and make your presentation clear to your audience. Introduction to Datawrapper: Introduce what Datawrapper is and how to create a visualization with it. Practice data visualization with Datawrapper: Learn to create data visualization with the tool. Who should join? Journalist with strong familiarity with digital technology such as using smartphones, computers, and especially computer software such as Excel. Journalists who produce a lot of feature stories and that are required to use a lot of data. Journalists who aspire to learn new skills to enhance the quality of their reporting. Expected outcome The expected outcome of data visualization in journalism training is that participants will gain the ability to present complex data through compelling visual formats, enhancing the clarity and impact of their journalistic work while fostering a deeper connection with their readers or viewers. Eligibility Cambodian journalists (women, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ are encouraged to join). Prerequisites Have a laptop and basic computer knowledge. Important date Open for registration: 15th August 2023 Close registration: 30th August 2023 Announce the selected candidate: 04th September 2023 Training date: 11th September 2023 For registration: https://rb.gy/a0rjt or scan QR Code below

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