Announcements

Today, the Australian Embassy and The Asia Foundation launched the second phase of the Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia program.

Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia Phase II (2023-2027) aims to support public policy making through evidence-informed decision-making and inclusive dialogue. This is the second phase of the program, which has helped build the capacity of Cambodian institutions to conduct quality research and contribute to policy recommendations.

Representatives from the Cambodian government, development partners, think tanks, universities and civil society organisations joined the launch.

“Australia is proud to partner with the Government and civil society to support inclusive economic development.  The Ponlok Chomnes program can help support the Government’s Pentagonal Strategy over the next 5 years, including through data-informed policymaking” said Australian Ambassador to Cambodia Justin Whyatt.

Meloney Lindberg, Country Representative for The Asia Foundation, said “In its second phase, Ponlok Chomnes seeks to address emerging opportunities in Cambodia, such as enhancing platforms for inclusive dialogue and contributing to increasing integrated policy evidence and demands for local knowledge sources. The Program will engage and build trust among diverse groups of policy actors in the policy processes, including representatives from the government, local think tanks, academics, individual experts, civil society organisations, and local communities”.

There are new opportunities to seek funding under phase II of the program. Cambodian knowledge sector institutions and civil society organisations can apply for the Innovation Fund to conduct inclusive research and dialogue initiatives in Cambodia. Details and application processes can be found on the Ponlok Chomnes’ Policy Pulse website at www.policypulse.org.

Media enquiries: Media.Cambodia@dfat.gov.au