Background

It has been over two years since the coronavirus pandemic began, putting immense pressure on global and regional public health systems and socio-economic development. The ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, have put significant efforts into fighting against the COVID-19. For instance, in 2020, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) was developed to respond to the pandemic across the region. The Framework focuses on five broad strategies, including 1) enhancing health systems, 2) strengthening human security, 3) maximizing the potential of the intra-ASEAN market and broader economic integration, 4) accelerating inclusive digital transformation, and 5) advancing towards a more sustainable and resilient future. In Cambodia, the government’s effort to roll out its vaccination program and capacity to respond quickly and effectively has kept the pandemic under control. As of now, Cambodia is one of the top countries in the world for vaccination rates. Consequently, the number of COVID-19 cases has been declining steadily.

To focus on the continued economic growth and development of Cambodia, ultimately improving the lives of the people; in December 2021, the Royal Government of Cambodia launched the Strategic Framework and Program for Cambodia’s Economic Recovery (2021-2023) to restore the economy in the immediate- and medium-term, improve its potential and resilience, and ensure more sustainable and inclusive development in the long run, after having implemented a number of support programs to sustain its economy.

In the meantime, timely data and analysis are critical in the COVID-19 situation to achieve effective public policies. They can enable policymakers, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to make better decisions and achieve better outcomes. Notably, the government has demonstrated an openness to data-informed approaches during the pandemic, a trend that the Ponlok Chomnes: Data and Dialogue for Development in Cambodia program aims to support. Shortly after the hit of COVID-19, the Ponlok Chomnes program has taken immediate action by pivoting current programming activities in response to this quickly evolving situation and directly supporting Australia’s Partnerships for Recovery Strategy.

Subsequently, the Ponlok Chomnes’ Core Partners and Emerging and Collaborative Research Partners, among other research institutions, have conducted various pieces of research that examine the impacts of COVID-19 and government efforts on multiple sectors in Cambodia, including education, tourism, urban issues, garment, economic, and others.

Drawing on insights from Cambodia’s and ASEAN perspectives, the Ponlok Chomnes National Policy Forum (NPF) will be a platform for knowledge producers such as think tanks, academia, researchers, and other non-traditional research organizations to showcase their findings, discuss, exchange knowledge, and network with knowledge users, including policymakers and policy practitioners from state and non-state organizations by revisiting the governments’ efforts and providing recommendations that inform Cambodia’s and ASEAN future resilience to the crisis.

Objectives of Ponlok Chomnes National Policy Forum

The objectives of the Ponlok Chomnes NPF are to:

• Communicate research and data to inform recovery policies in Cambodia and ASEAN,
• Promote knowledge exchange and policy discussion to improve resilience against the pandemic in Cambodia and ASEAN, and
• Create an enabling environment for constructive discussion and networking in Cambodia and ASEAN for future collaboration.

Format

The NPF will be conducted using three types of formats:

1. Keynote Addresses by Policymakers: To be delivered during a high-level opening session to serve diplomatic, political, and visibility objectives.
2. Plenary Discussions: Aims to promote active discussion between participants that consist of policymakers, researchers, and policy practitioners from government, think tanks, and NGOs. Recognizes the valuable ideas and experiences of both speakers and participants across the region.
3. Youth and Knowledge Sector Platform: Policy Brief Presentations: Presentation sessions focus on policy research convened through an open call for abstracts to provide a platform for young researchers and thinkers across ASEAN to share their knowledge on policy issues and solutions.

While the NPF is anticipated to be a blended event, given the evolving situation of the pandemic, Ponlok Chomnes shall also be prepared to adapt its NPF into a virtual event. This will be determined in alignment with government prescribed norms and regulations.

Expected Participants

The NPF will target diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners, academia, experts and researchers, civil society, and the media in Cambodia and ASEAN.

Press or Media

A press release and press kit will be developed and shared with relevant news agencies via email. They will also be available for downloading from the Policy Pulse Initiative (PPI) website (www.policypulse.org) before the event.

Stay engaged with us on social media using the following hashtags: #PonlokChomnes, #KnowledgeSector, #NationalPolicyForum2022, among other related hashtags.

To join via Zoom, please click on this link