Expressions of interest

Introduction

The Ponlok Chomnes II (PCII): Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia program is a four-year initiative funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from 2023 to 2027.

Building on the success of Ponlok Chomnes I (2019-2023), which aimed to strengthen the capacity of Cambodian knowledge sector institutions to produce research that informs public policy, Ponlok Chomnes II (2023-2027) seeks to ensure that these decisions are grounded in evidence and inclusive dialogue. The program emphasises the importance of providing Cambodian policymakers with diverse and inclusive evidence to support this process. Ultimately, it aspires to promote wide acceptance among policymakers and stakeholders of the value of inclusive dialogues and evidence-based decision-making, establishing these practices as standard in Cambodia.

In promoting inclusion in policy processes, Ponlok Chomnes is hosting an Inclusive Award Ceremony in 2025 to recognise the efforts that promote Inclusive Research, Inclusive Communication of Research Products, and Inclusive Dialogue in Cambodia at either national or subnational level. These awards will honor individuals, groups, and organisations, that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to inclusivity by recognising and addressing the needs of diverse groups and promoting equity, accessibility, and meaningful participation of diverse groups in research, communication, and dialogue.

PCII identifies “dialogue” as an exchange of information, ideas, or opinions between parties through spoken or written means. Its goals can range from mutual understanding to exploring topics. It is versatile and useful for clarity, learning, or building relationships. In a policy context, dialogue refers to a structured and purposeful conversation or discussion among various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, researchers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the public, aimed at sharing knowledge, identifying ways to address specific policy issues or opportunities and ultimately inform the development, implementation, or revision of policies and initiatives.[1] However, not all dialogues meaningfully engage or include all relevant parties. This is where inclusive dialogue comes in.

A socially disadvantaged group is any group that is considered to require tailored interventions or special attention to:

• Allow their voices to be heard in the design, implementation, review, and evaluation of the program.
• Purposefully reach them and provide the opportunity to participate as equally in the program as other groups.
• Allow them to enjoy program benefits equally with others in that community or population.
• Ensure the program addresses any needs they may have that may not be shared by the wider population or may not have been considered in society or by decision-makers.

This could include diverse men, women, boys, and girls; people with disabilities; the poor and the near poor; ethnic or religious minorities; indigenous communities; the elderly; the sick or infirm; those with low levels of education; people that identify as LGTBI, as well as cross-sections of these groups (e.g., women with disabilities).

Purpose of the Awards

The purpose of these awards is to recognise and encourage work that demonstrates inclusivity, be it through innovative research, accessible and inclusive research products, or dialogue that addresses the needs and views of diverse groups in the policy processes at local or national levels. These awards aim to:

• Spotlight exceptional efforts that promote and practice inclusion and accessibility.
• Inspire and motivate others to incorporate inclusivity in their work.
• Provide a platform for sharing best practices in inclusive research, communication, and dialogue.

Award Categories

Inclusive Research Award

This award honours researchers and research organisations that prioritise inclusivity.  For example, research initiatives ensuring inclusion in their methodologies, focus areas, or collaborative approaches beyond the research topic itself. Nominations should highlight research initiatives that have consciously integrated inclusive practices, amplifying the voices of socially disadvantaged groups, and producing actionable insights that serve diverse communities. Initiatives by the communities and diverse groups conducting research itself are welcome!

Inclusive Communication of Research Products Award

This award recognises diverse communication approaches to package research products into different formats to make it accessible to all, including people with disabilities and individuals from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Communication materials include, but are not limited to, research reports, policy briefs, infographics, working papers, videos, audio materials, photos, and commentaries. Nominees should demonstrate how their research products remove barriers to understanding, engagement, and accessibility by diverse groups.

Inclusive Dialogue Award

This award is dedicated to individuals or organisations that facilitate dialogues and conversations aimed at bridging divides and fostering meaningful participation of diverse views and groups. Nominees should demonstrate efforts to create safe, respectful spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. This includes traditional (forum, community meeting, consultation, workshop, and panel discussion) and non-traditional dialogue formats (podcast, and others). Dialogue can be one off or ongoing over a period of time to achieve an intended outcome or result in some tangible change.

Eligibility Criteria

Each nominee should meet the following criteria:

• Have demonstrated a change as a result of implementing inclusive research, communication, and dialogue in the last one to three years.
• Be able to provide clear examples of their work and its inclusive approach.
• Be Cambodian citizens, groups, communities, or organisations.
• Be non-profit, private, social enterprise, or public.

Selection Criteria

An independent and diverse panel of experts will review all nominations based on the following criteria:

Inclusive Research Award

• Inclusive Research Practices: Evaluate how well the research integrates inclusive methodologies and considers diverse perspectives.
• Scope of Research Focus: Rate the extent to which the research addresses issues relevant to communities.
• Accessibility of Findings: Assess the accessibility of the research findings for diverse audiences.

Inclusive Communication of Research Products Award

• Accessibility and Usability: Rate the degree of accessibility for people with disabilities and inclusivity for socially disadvantaged groups.
• Content Clarity and Design: Evaluate the clarity of design and effectiveness in reducing barriers to understanding​ by diverse groups.
• Reach and Engagement: Assess the demonstrated reach and engagement level with various groups.

Inclusive Dialogue Award

• Creating Inclusive Spaces: Evaluate the effectiveness of the nominee in fostering safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue.
• Diversity of Voices: Assess the degree to which diverse perspectives are included and valued.
• Meaningful Participation: Rate the level of participation in addressing power dynamic and fostering meaningful contribution of diverse groups in the dialogue both as speakers and participants.

Nomination and Selection Process

• Call for Nomination: Submit a completed Nomination Form and video​, a summary of the nominee’s achievements, outlining how they meet the award criteria, and supporting documentation, including video testimonials, letters of support, proof of impact, or samples of work, as applicable. 11 December 2024 – 31 January 2025
• Shortlist two to three for each award category: 1 – 21 February 2025
• Nominate for DFAT’s approval: 24 – 28 February 2025
• Announcement: Last week of March 2025

Inclusive Award Ceremony

The awardees will be announced and celebrated during the Inclusive Award Ceremony, an evening dedicated to honoring inclusivity and sharing inspiring stories. Awardees will have the opportunity to present their work to an audience of peers, leaders, and stakeholders, fostering wider recognition and influence of their contributions.

Please click here for the Application Form

For additional details and nomination forms, please visit our website or contact our team at ponlok.chomnes@asiafoundation.org or 092 168 543.

[1] Glossary – Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia, https://policypulse.org/publications/references/glossary-ponlok-chomnes-data-and-dialogue-for-development-in-cambodia/