The Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) program recently proudly supported its Finance and Administration Officer, Ms Pon Sreyneath, to attend the Australasian Aid Conference (AAC) 2024, held from 3–5 December 2024 in Canberra, Australia.
This annual conference, a gathering of over 400 professionals, researchers, and development practitioners, provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and discuss critical issues in international development. Themes included collaboration, local leadership, and innovative approaches to addressing global challenges. Participation in AAC 2024 directly aligns with ACCESS 2’s goals of strengthening local capacity, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and delivering impactful solutions for persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Cambodia.
Objectives of ACCESS 2’s Participation
ACCESS 2’s participation in AAC 2024 was driven by three key objectives:
- Capacity Building: Equipping the ACCESS 2 team with global insights and strategies to enhance program delivery.
- Networking and Collaboration: Establishing connections with diverse stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and share experiences.
- Knowledge Sharing: Bringing back actionable learnings to further ACCESS 2’s mission of delivering quality and inclusive services in Cambodia.
Key Learnings and Positive Outcomes
Bringing Back Innovative Ideas
The conference facilitated an exchange of ideas on the intersection of technology and GBV, participatory research methodologies, and effective cross-regional collaboration. These insights will help ACCESS 2 refine its approaches to delivering high-impact, inclusive services.
Networking Opportunities
Ms Pon Sreyneath had the privilege of engaging with development practitioners, government representatives, and grassroots activists from across the Asia-Pacific region. Through meaningful dialogue, she showcased ACCESS 2’s work and explored strategies implemented by other countries, bringing home fresh perspectives to inspire the team.
Cross-Country Collaboration
Representing ACCESS 2, Ms Sreyneath also connected with representatives from Abt Global, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration. These exchanges not only affirmed the significance of shared learning but also opened doors for future partnerships to address development challenges.
Reflections from the Conference
Ms Pon Sreyneath, Finance and Administration Officer, ACCESS 2:
“Attending the Australasian Aid Conference 2024 provided me with a valuable opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow while representing ACCESS 2 and Cambodia. This experience will benefit the ACCESS 2 team and help build my capacity and connections for the future.”
Her participation underscored ACCESS 2’s commitment to fostering professional growth among its team members, ultimately strengthening the program’s ability to deliver sustainable and impactful results.
ACCESS 2’s Mission and Next Steps
ACCESS 2 remains committed to improving access to quality, inclusive services for persons with disabilities and survivors of GBV in Cambodia. Aligned with the Royal Government’s National Disability Strategic Plan (NDSP) and the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (NAPVAW), ACCESS 2 will continue leveraging learnings from platforms like AAC to enhance its strategies and expand its impact.
Next Steps Include:
- Integrating key takeaways from AAC 2024 into ACCESS 2’s ongoing activities to enhance service delivery.
- Strengthening collaboration with regional and global partners for knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.
- Continuing to build the capacity of team members to sustain long-term impact for persons with disabilities and GBV survivors in Cambodia.
ACCESS 2’s participation in the Australasian Aid Conference 2024 exemplifies the program’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and capacity building. By embracing global perspectives and strengthening its network, ACCESS 2 is poised to make even greater strides in creating equitable and sustainable services in Cambodia.
This event marks not just an achievement for ACCESS 2 but a renewed commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
