Ratanakiri, Cambodia – Local governance and community leadership in Ratanakiri province have been significantly enhanced following a four-day intensive training on Leadership and Advocacy, held from September 23 to 26, 2024, at Build Bright University.
The training was jointly organized by Building Community Voices (BCV) and Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD), bringing together a diverse group of 72 participants from across the province. Notably, the program achieved strong gender representation, with 50% of participants (36) being women, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive leadership development.
Participants represented eight districts: Lomphat, Kon Mom, Vern Sai, Taveng, Andong Meas, Bor Keav, Ou Yadav, and Ou Chom, as well as Banlung City. The training convened stakeholders from civil society organizations, local authorities, and key economic sectors, creating a multi-stakeholder platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Representatives from four essential value chains—cassava, cashew nut, rice, and eco-tourism—actively engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening economic resilience and amplifying community voices.
The training curriculum was designed around three core pillars to equip participants with practical and strategic skills. First, participants focused on Institutional Excellence, gaining tools and knowledge to improve organizational management, strengthen internal systems, and enhance operational effectiveness.
Second, the sessions emphasized Strategic Advocacy, empowering leaders to effectively represent community interests, mobilize stakeholder support, and influence decision-making processes. Lastly, Inclusive Decision-Making was a key focus, fostering active participation in multi-stakeholder dialogue to ensure that diverse voices contribute to addressing socio-economic challenges and shaping sustainable development pathways.
The workshop successfully brought together government representatives, civil society actors, and community producers, fostering a collaborative environment vital for inclusive development. The strengthened relationships and shared understanding developed during the training are expected to improve coordination and responsiveness in local governance.
Importantly, this initiative aims to ensure that the voices of Ratanakiri’s diverse communities are more effectively represented in provincial planning and decision-making processes.
About the CLESIDRA Project
This training is a crucial part of the CLESIDRA project, which stands for Civil Society Links and Empowerment for Socially Inclusive Development in Ratanakiri. The project is funded by the European Union.
It is implemented through a strategic partnership involving FELCOS Umbria, ILS LEDA, Building Community Voices (BCV), and Urban Poor Women Development (UPWD). Together, these organizations aim to promote inclusive governance, empower communities, and foster sustainable socio-economic development throughout Ratanakiri province.
