Ratanakiri, Cambodia – The CLESIDRA project reached another key milestone in promoting inclusive socio-economic development in northeastern Cambodia through a three-day strategic workshop held from October 23 to 25, 2024, at Build Bright University.
Organised by Building Community Voices (BCV) in collaboration with Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD), the workshop concentrated on strengthening regional development strategies and supporting the operational launch of the PLASED platform, a key mechanism intended to enhance local economic governance and coordination.
The workshop brought together members of the Steering Committee representing Ratanakiri’s four priority value chains, who were officially elected in March 2024. It offered a crucial platform for dialogue, planning, and capacity building among key stakeholders shaping the province’s economic future.
The sessions were led by international experts, including Mr. Vincenzo Millio, Executive Director of ILS LEDA, and Mr. Simone Felice, CLESIDRA Project Manager from FELCOS Umbria, who brought extensive experience in local economic development and multi-stakeholder governance.
A total of 20 participants attended the workshop, representing a diverse range of stakeholders such as provincial government officials, local authorities, civil society organisations, producer associations, and ecotourism community leaders.
The training program focused on three essential pillars aimed at fostering sustainable development in Ratanakiri. Firstly, participants delved into socio-economic strategies that aimed to boost the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of key value chains in the region. This was complemented by comprehensive sessions on development frameworks, where attendees gained valuable insights into economic governance, strategic planning, and effective service delivery mechanisms.
Lastly, the technical design of the PLASED platform was introduced, detailing its vision, legal structure, and governance functions, all of which are crucial for ensuring effective coordination and long-term sustainability. Together, these components provided a well-rounded approach to facilitating progress and innovation in the area.
The workshop concluded with notable achievements in enhancing regional self-reliance and promoting inclusive growth. Participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable development principles and improved their ability to contribute to coordinated economic planning.
Importantly, the Steering Committee is now better equipped to lead and manage the PLASED platform, ensuring its effectiveness as a collaborative tool between public institutions and local producers. By fostering stronger partnerships across various sectors, this initiative reinforces a shared commitment to ensuring that economic development in Ratanakiri is inclusive, participatory, and sustainable.
This activity is part of the CLESIDRA project (Civil Society Links and Empowerment for Socially Inclusive Development in Ratanakiri), which is funded by the European Union. The project is implemented through a strategic partnership among FELCOS Umbria, ILS LEDA, Building Community Voices (BCV), and Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD), all working together to empower communities, strengthen civil society, and promote inclusive economic opportunities across Ratanakiri province.
