Cambodia Launches Digital, Media, and Information Literacy Framework
New Competency Framework to Promote Digital Literacy by 2035
On June 27, 2024, Cambodia's Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, with technical support from UNESCO and in partnership with Sweden, launched the country's first Digital, Media, and Information Literacy (DMIL) Competency Framework. This landmark initiative aims to promote digital, media, and information literacy among Cambodians, striving to create a digitally literate society by 2035 in line with sustainable development goals.
The event brought together nearly 400 representatives from various sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, media, telecom operators, development partners, and content creators. The framework, developed through an inclusive and participatory process since 2021, aims to harmonize and enhance digital literacy across Cambodia, ensuring comprehensive measurement of national literacy levels.
The DMIL framework, aligned with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035, outlines eight core competencies essential for Cambodian digital citizens. These competencies address evolving technological, regional, and global demands, aiming to transform every citizen into a "Digital Citizen" to support the country's digital transformation.
Despite various initiatives, digital literacy remains low in Cambodia, with only 32% of the population having basic digital access. This framework aims to bridge these gaps by providing a common, tailored approach to digital literacy, avoiding fragmentation and ineffective program implementation.
His Excellency Chun Vath, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, emphasized the need for a unified framework, while UNESCO Representative Sardar Umar Alam highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting digital literacy. Swedish Minister Camilla Ottoson underscored the inclusive and human-rights-based approach of the framework.
The DMIL competency framework is part of the project "Strengthening Media Development and Freedom of Expression in Cambodia," implemented by UNESCO with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). This framework will guide efforts across Cambodian society to promote digital literacy, contributing to national development and democratic processes.
The event brought together nearly 400 representatives from various sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, media, telecom operators, development partners, and content creators. The framework, developed through an inclusive and participatory process since 2021, aims to harmonize and enhance digital literacy across Cambodia, ensuring comprehensive measurement of national literacy levels.
The DMIL framework, aligned with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy and Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework 2021-2035, outlines eight core competencies essential for Cambodian digital citizens. These competencies address evolving technological, regional, and global demands, aiming to transform every citizen into a "Digital Citizen" to support the country's digital transformation.
Despite various initiatives, digital literacy remains low in Cambodia, with only 32% of the population having basic digital access. This framework aims to bridge these gaps by providing a common, tailored approach to digital literacy, avoiding fragmentation and ineffective program implementation.
His Excellency Chun Vath, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, emphasized the need for a unified framework, while UNESCO Representative Sardar Umar Alam highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in promoting digital literacy. Swedish Minister Camilla Ottoson underscored the inclusive and human-rights-based approach of the framework.
The DMIL competency framework is part of the project "Strengthening Media Development and Freedom of Expression in Cambodia," implemented by UNESCO with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). This framework will guide efforts across Cambodian society to promote digital literacy, contributing to national development and democratic processes.
