Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 2026 – Twenty-eight (28) youth representatives from Phnom Penh and three other provinces in Cambodia gained new artificial intelligence (AI) skills to support evidence-based advocacy, communication campaigns, and informed decision-making through the “AI for Advocacy” training organized by Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), in partnership with Plan International Cambodia and co-supported by the Mekong Institute (MI). The training formed part of the implementation of an action plan committed by Cambodian alumni of a previous MI-led regional program on AI-enabled digital transformation for cities and institutions.
Ms. Guohua Liu, Director of MI’s Sectoral Development and Integration (SDI) Department, shared that the training translated the knowledge and skills gained through the regional program into practical action at the national level, demonstrating how regional capacity development can generate meaningful local impact.
“This reflects the commitment of participating institutions to implementing their action plans and sharing the knowledge they gained through their own training,” said Ms. Liu. “We also take pride in seeing this program reach young leaders, equipping them with practical AI knowledge and advocacy skills that they can apply in their own communities.”
Participants explored how AI can strengthen evidence-based advocacy while promoting responsible and ethical AI use. The training focused on three key objectives: translating complex AI concepts into practical and localized advocacy approaches; mitigating risks such as algorithmic bias, misinformation, and digital manipulation; and empowering youth to develop evidence-based counter-narratives that effectively engage local communities.
Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative learning, participants gained hands-on experience in applying AI tools to enhance communication strategies and support informed decision-making. The training also encouraged participants to critically assess both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, emphasizing responsible innovation, digital ethics, and inclusive participation.
“By empowering youth advocates with practical AI competencies, the program contributes to digital literacy, civic engagement, and innovation capacity among Cambodia’s next generation of leaders,” Ms. Liu added.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to promote AI-enabled digital transformation across the Lancang–Mekong countries, fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, and development partners to accelerate inclusive and sustainable digital development.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
🎥 Want to hear directly from the participants? Watch our latest video, Empowering Cambodia’s Next Generation: How AI is Transforming Youth Entrepreneurship, and discover how young Cambodians are applying AI skills to strengthen entrepreneurship, communication, and community engagement—helping shape a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally empowered future via this link: www.youtu.be/Sbc5fv2rUTs
