The 1st National Forum on Lifelong Learning, held on March 28, 2024, in Phnom Penh, marked a significant milestone in Cambodia's journey towards building a skilled and future-ready workforce. IT Academy STEP Cambodia played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking event, emphasizing the importance of digital skills for successful economic development.
As a key partner in organizing the forum, IT Academy STEP Cambodia joined forces with the National Committee for Lifelong Learning, government ministries, development partners, NGOs, and international experts to establish a shared vision for Cambodia's lifelong learning ecosystem. The focus was on leveraging digital technology to create accessible and inclusive learning opportunities for all Cambodians.
During the forum, IT Academy STEP Cambodia's Managing Director, Ms. Rodionova Natalja, delivered a compelling presentation titled "Digital Skills for Economic Growth: Preparing Cambodia's Workforce for the Future." She highlighted the crucial role of digital literacy in driving economic growth and ensuring a skilled, future-ready workforce.
In her presentation, Mrs. Rodionova emphasized that in the fast-paced digital economy and era of technological advancement, a focus on digital skills development should be the key priority in Cambodia's lifelong learning strategy. With only 30% of the population possessing fundamental digital skills, bridging this gap is imperative for the country's continued prosperity.
Mrs. Rodionova further participated in a panel discussion on "Digital Platforms and Resources: Digital Technology enables lifelong learning access and skills growth." This interactive session explored innovative approaches to leveraging digital platforms and resources to expand lifelong learning opportunities and facilitate continuous skill development. Mrs. Rodionova shared insights from EU and developed countries' approaches to lifelong learning to foster workforce competitiveness. She highlighted that while the challenge of reskilling and upskilling is not unique to Cambodia, learning from other countries while considering the priorities for the Cambodian workforce would be an efficient approach.
Through its active participation in the forum, IT Academy STEP Cambodia reinforced its commitment to empowering individuals and communities through accessible and relevant digital education. The organization believes that fostering digital literacy and lifelong learning is crucial for Cambodia's sustained economic growth, social inclusion, and the overall well-being of its citizens. IT Academy STEP Cambodia is committed to supporting the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport's leadership in the lifelong learning policy development and implementation.
The 1st National Forum on Lifelong Learning served as a catalyst for multi-stakeholder collaboration, aligning efforts to create a robust lifelong learning ecosystem through strengthened governance, increased investment, and an unwavering focus on inclusion. IT Academy STEP Cambodia's contributions underscored the pivotal role of digital skills in driving successful economic development and preparing Cambodia's workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
As Cambodia continues to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT Academy STEP Cambodia remains dedicated to promoting digital literacy and lifelong learning opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a skilled, competitive, and prosperous nation.