Cambodian experts, academia, government, civil society, private sector and youth discussed how AI and e-Government interact with the right to Access Information, in a recent seminar organised by UNECO and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT).
The discussion took place here under the presidency of H.E. Chea Vandeth, Cambodian Minister of Post and Telecommunications and Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia.
According to a UNESCO’s press release, over 80 stakeholders participated in this unique event entitled “Access to Information Talks”, held in the framework of the International Day of Universal Access to Information, with the financial support of the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency.
H.E. Minister Chea Vandeth opened the seminar highlighting that “the event marks a new milestone in the promotion of dialogue and awareness raising on the use and impact of digital technology among all stakeholders, especially Government, research and educational institutions, private sector, development partners and civil society, allowing them to contribute to the development of the digital sector and support the implementation of policies for the development of the digital economy and society in Cambodia in accordance with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
Mr. Sardar Umar Alam said that “today’s societies need inclusive access to information to build just, peaceful, and sustainable futures. UNESCO therefore calls on countries around the world to embrace information as a global public good. In Cambodia, UNESCO will continue to work with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, CSOs, and academia to develop policies and programmes for the development of both digital and human capital”.
Participants at the seminar had the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s top experts about the latest advancements of AI and its application in Cambodia, the progress towards e-Governance, the importance of open data for development, and how these changes are transforming the way citizens can access information and participate in society.
The speakers included Dr. En Sovann, Advisor to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications on AI; Mr Chanty Pisal, Director of Digital Innovation and Policy Research at CADT; Ms. Ngoun Somaly, Director General of the Institute of Digital Governance; Mr Prach Chanoudom, Researche Coordinator at the Digital Research and Development Centre; Mr. Sam An Mardy, Information Technology and Website Manager of Open Development Cambodia; and Ms. Oung Chanthol, Executive Director of the Women Media Centre. All speakers unanimously advocated for placing the rights of people at the centre of Cambodia’s digital transformation process to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
This activity on Right to Information is part of UNESCO’s work in Cambodia to promote and strengthen media development and Freedom of Expression, in collaboration with national stakeholders, OHCHR and the financial support of the Swedish International Development Agency.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press