The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) places an emphasis on ITU’s youth activities on promoting digital skills development and ICT-enabled employment opportunities for youth, particularly encouraging young women and girls to explore careers in information, communication, and technologies (ICT). ITU’s Generation Connect aims to engage global youth and to encourage their participation as equal partners in today’s digital transformation, empowering young people with the skills and opportunities to shape  a connected and inclusive future.

International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April. The celebration aims to encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to foster collaboration across sectors. The day addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM education, particularly ICT.

While traditionally centered on ICT careers pathways for girls, this year’s event in Cambodia expanded the focus to youth empowerment through digital skills, with a firm commitment to gender equality by ensuring a minimum of 50% female participation.

With nearly 30% of rural populations in low-income countries still unconnected, girls and women are the disproportionately impacted. This digital divide limits their access to educational, economic, and social opportunities. Girls in ICT Day Cambodia 2025 responded to this challenge by equipping Cambodian youth, particularly girls, with digital skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Girls in ICT Day provided a valuable platforms for participants to explore the role of ICT in achieving their aspirations. To date, over 377,000 girls and young women have taken part in more than 11,400 Girls in ICT Day celebrations accross 171 countries. In 2025, the theme for Girls in ICT is “Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation”.

Girls in ICT Day Cambodia 2025 was jointly organized by the Ministry of Information (MOI) and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Cambodia (MPTC), with support from the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a pre-Summit event during to the 20^th Asia Media Summit (AMS) 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Objective

To empower youth, especially girls and young women, with digital skills and to strengthen partnerships that scale youth digital empowerment initiatives in Cambodia.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced digital literacy and awareness among students and teachers, with a focus on increasing girls’ participation.
• Strengthened collaboration among government ministries, industry stakeholders, development organizations, and UN agencies in advancing youth digital empowerment programmes.

Target Audience

• Representatives from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Country Team, government ministries, departments, agencies, and commissions.
• Teachers and students from schools across Cambodia, aged 12-24 years, with a minimum of 50% participation by girls.

Event Scope

The workshop was conducted as an an interactive in-person event, focusing on practical digital skills training and knowledge sharing to promote youth empowerment in the digital era.

Partners

• Organizers: Ministry of Information (MOI) and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Cambodia (MPTC), with support from the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Supported by: Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT), Education Broadcasting Cambodia, CISCO, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN

MrHMC:

• Ms Rury Demsey, Project Officer for ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Opening remarks:

• Ms Philomena Gnanapragasam, CEO/ Secretariat Director, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
• Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunication Union

Opening Adress:

• H.E. Mr Sok Puthyvuth, Secretary of State, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia
• H. E. Mr. Neth Pheaktra, Minister for Information, Cambodia

Group photo session

This session provided a platform for Cambodian youth and relevant stakeholders to share their insights on the role of youth in promoting inclusive digital transformation and fostering responsible media engagement. Led by youth, this session aims to amplify youth voices and perspectives on digital inclusion, innovation, responsible journalism, and leadership in the digital age.

Presentation on Responsible Journalism Among Youth in the Digital Era

Dr Suras Kanagasabai, Producer and Director Education Television Program Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

Moderator:

• Mr Chanborey Hut, Generation Connect – Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy of Cambodia
• Ms Solinda Len, Generation Connect – Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy of Cambodia

Panelists:

• Mr Ry Seyhakrodh, Deputy Director, Department of Broadcasting, Ministry of Information, Kingdom of Cambodia
• Ms Tommy Cheng, Director, Education Broadcasting Cambodia (EBC)
• Ms. Poum Chan Socheata, Lecturer and Researcher, Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT)
• Mr Em Piseth, Director of Department of Cooperation in Scouting, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, Cambodia

Introduction: This session allowed participants to experience firsthand various digital learning tools and applications. This session aims to build awareness and practical skills by introducing students and teachers to accessible digital technologies (coding, AI, cybersecurity).

Moderator:

• Ms. Saovty Ly, Generation Connect – Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy of Cambodia
• Mr. Whatanak Kean, Generation Connect – Asia and the Pacific Youth Envoy of Cambodia

Onboarding Presentation and Workshop by Resource Partners:

• Presentation from Ms. Poum Chan Socheata, Lecturer and Researcher, Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT)
• Presentation from Ms. Angela Wibawa, Government and Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO) Engagement Director, APAC, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – online
• Presentation from Mr. Chhunhour Long, Cambodia Cisco Account Manager, Cisco
• Presentation from Ms. Rury Demsey, Project Officer, ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

MC:

• Ms Rury Demsey, Project Officer for ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Closing remarks:

• Ms. Philomena Gnanapragasam, Secretary-General / CEO, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
• Mr. Kishore Babu, Head Area of ITU Area Office for Southeast Asia
• H. E. Thong Kun Yuleng, Advisor to Ministry of Information cum Deputy Chief of Minister’s Cabinet, Cambodia 
• H.E. Rapid Sun, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia​