Call for Participants: “Reaching Marginalized Communities” (Cambodia)

DW Akademie is inviting applications for a half-day Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Conference that will bring together representatives of marginalized communities from across Cambodia. The conference, taking place on 25 October 2026 in Phnom Penh, aims to strengthen dialogue, address digital information challenges, and identify practical support needs for young people and underserved communities.

About the Conference

DW Akademie, the international media development, journalism training, and knowledge transfer center of Deutsche Welle, is organizing a dedicated Media and Information Literacy (MIL) conference for Cambodian participants.

The conference is designed to create a platform where representatives from marginalized communities can share experiences, discuss challenges related to media and information literacy, and contribute to developing more inclusive approaches to digital literacy, civic participation, and access to reliable information.

The event follows the international Youth Meets Media conference but is conducted as a standalone event specifically for participants from Cambodia.

Conference Focus Areas

The conference addresses a wide range of Media and Information Literacy topics, including:

• Media and Information Literacy (MIL).
• Freedom of expression.
• Access to information.
• Disinformation and misinformation.
• Hate speech.
• AI-generated deepfakes.
• Online scams and digital fraud.
• Dialogue and civic participation.
• Digital literacy.
• Responsible media use.
• Community engagement.

Conference Objectives

The conference aims to:

• Map marginalized communities across Cambodia.
• Understand the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly young people.
• Identify Media and Information Literacy challenges affecting different communities.
• Learn directly from participants through presentations and discussions.
• Encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices.
• Identify practical support needs for young people and marginalized groups.
• Strengthen dialogue between communities and media development stakeholders.

Conference Details

Key event information includes:

• Date: 25 October 2026.
• Location: Novotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Duration: Half-day conference.
• Languages: English and Khmer with simultaneous interpretation.
• Organizer: DW Akademie.

Conference Activities

Selected participants will take part in:

• Expert-led discussions on Media and Information Literacy.
• Interactive presentations by community representatives.
• Facilitated group discussions.
• Knowledge sharing and networking sessions.
• Plenary discussions summarizing key findings and recommendations.

Some participants may also be invited to deliver a 10–15 minute presentation introducing:

• Their community.
• Community challenges.
• Media and Information Literacy issues.
• Youth perspectives.
• Practical recommendations.

Who Can Apply?

The conference welcomes applications from individuals and representatives across Cambodia, with priority given to:

• Youth from marginalized communities.
• Community leaders.
• Youth representatives.
• Members of local NGOs.
• Members of civil society organizations (CSOs).
• Representatives of ethnic minority communities.
• Indigenous community representatives.
• Persons with disabilities.
• LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Rural and remote community representatives.
• Other marginalized or underserved groups.

The conference also targets:

• DW Akademie partners.
• CCIM staff.
• PDP staff.
• Other Media and Information Literacy stakeholders.

Participant Selection

Up to 30 participants will be selected through an open application process.

Selection will prioritize applicants who:

• Represent marginalized communities.
• Can contribute valuable community perspectives.
• Are interested in Media and Information Literacy.
• Can actively participate in discussions and knowledge sharing.

Why This Conference Matters

The conference plays an important role by:

• Strengthening Media and Information Literacy among underserved communities.
• Promoting safer and more responsible use of digital information.
• Addressing the growing impact of misinformation, online scams, and AI-generated content.
• Encouraging inclusive civic participation.
• Giving marginalized communities a platform to share their experiences.
• Informing future support initiatives for youth and community organizations.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the conference objectives and participant requirements.
2. Complete the application through the official application process.
3. Explain your connection to the community you represent.
4. Describe your interest or experience in Media and Information Literacy.
5. Highlight community challenges relevant to the conference themes.
6. Submit your application before the official deadline.
7. Await notification if selected.

Application Tips

To strengthen your application:

• Clearly explain your role within your community.
• Highlight challenges related to media access or digital literacy.
• Demonstrate your interest in civic participation and community engagement.
• Show how you will contribute to discussions and knowledge sharing.
• Mention any experience working with youth or marginalized groups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incomplete application information.
• Providing vague descriptions of your community.
• Failing to explain how you can contribute to the conference.
• Missing the application deadline.
• Overlooking the conference’s focus on Media and Information Literacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is organizing the conference?

The conference is organized by DW Akademie, Deutsche Welle’s international center for media development, journalism training, and knowledge transfer.

When and where will the conference take place?

The conference will be held on 25 October 2026 at Novotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

How many participants will be selected?

Up to 30 participants from across Cambodia will be selected.

What topics will the conference cover?

Topics include Media and Information Literacy, freedom of expression, disinformation, hate speech, AI-generated deepfakes, online scams, digital literacy, and civic participation.

Who is encouraged to apply?

Priority is given to youth from marginalized communities, community leaders, NGO and CSO representatives, Indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, rural communities, and other underserved groups.

Will participants have opportunities to present?

Yes. Selected participants may be invited to give a 10–15 minute interactive presentation about their community and its Media and Information Literacy challenges.

What languages will be used during the conference?

Sessions will be conducted in English and Khmer, with simultaneous interpretation available.

Conclusion

The DW Akademie Media and Information Literacy Conference provides an important opportunity for representatives of marginalized communities across Cambodia to share experiences, strengthen digital literacy, and contribute to more inclusive media and civic participation. By bringing together community leaders, youth, civil society organizations, and media experts, the conference aims to build stronger collaboration, improve resilience against misinformation, and identify practical solutions for supporting underserved communities.