Sweden and Switzerland will contribute $4.5 million in funds to support BBC Media Action in establishing the Klanhan9 SPACE project which promotes youth participation in the community.

The project aims to increase constructive participation and community engagement among Cambodians aged 15-30 by providing them with the knowledge and skills to build confidence, motivation and networks, according to a press statement from the Swedish embassy in Phnom Penh on July 27.

Sweden will contribute about $2 million to the budget, while the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation will provide $2.5 million. The project will run from 2021 to 2024.

Samuel Hurtig, head of development cooperation at the Swedish embassy, said the support was in line with Sweden’s development cooperation with Cambodia, which focused on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

“We are happy to partner with BBC Media Action to use the media and other types of communication as important instruments to motivate and support young Cambodians to participate in public life as well as support outreach activities for youth in different provinces,” he said.

According to Samuel, the project will include a range of media and outreach activities, and it will be implemented by BBC Media Action and partners including Bophana Audio visual Resource Centre, Youth Council of Cambodia and Youth Resource Development Programme.

Gemma Hayman, country director of BBC Media Action, said the project would support people aged 15-30 to engage in public life within their communities by building knowledge and skills, changing negative attitudes around youth participation and encouraging discussion between different age groups.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to build on the success of our previous youth development work and are excited to be working with experienced partners and stakeholders across the country,” she said.