Young people in Cambodia equipped to thrive in digital economy through video game development

As global demand for tech talent rises, UNICEF’s partnership with Bitget and the global tech industry expands access to 21st-century skills for youth across eight countries

PHNOM PENH, 22 December 2025 – Adolescent girls in Cambodia prepare to thrive in a digital economy through an unexpected entry point: video game development. Developed by the UNICEF Office of Innovation, the Game Changers Coalition, an initiative designed with and for girls, youth across the country are gaining hands-on experience in coding, storytelling, design and financial literacy concepts — skills critical for success in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Despite rising demand for digital talent, girls and women remain underrepresented in technology fields. Structural barriers restrict access to gaining digital skills, professional networks, and emerging technology tools. UNICEF and partners are working to change this.

With support from Bitget, the largest Universal Exchange, alongside the Global Video Games Coalition and Micron Foundation, UNICEF is scaling inclusive, youth-centred digital learning programmes designed to build confidence, capability and long-term economic resilience.

Bitget Chief Marketing Officer Ignacio Aguirre visited Cambodia for a shared experience with teachers and students participating in the Coalition.

The visit included dedicated time with one of Cambodia’s winning teams from the first global UNICEF Game Jam — a virtual hackathon that connected young creators from the eight participating countries of the Coalition. Cambodia emerged as one of the strongest participants, securing four of the seven global award categories.

“I am inspired by the determination and talent I have seen from the young people in Cambodia. At Bitget, we believe that everyone should be equipped to take part in the digital world, from coding and design to emerging fields like blockchain. I am excited to see this generation of young digital creatives sharpening their skills to help shape an inclusive, equitable and prosperous digital future,” said Ignacio Aguirre.

In an intergenerational exchange of insights and experiences, participants shared their creative process, the stories steeped in culture and community that inspired their games, and the skills they are proud to be mastering.

“Aside from learning how to write code, we learned how to draw, how to develop storylines, find solutions when we encounter problems, and study to understand those problems step by step. We also learned how to work in teams and understand each other much better. Before taking part in Game Changers, I thought games were only for entertainment. Now I see they can solve real problems. I want to keep building things that make life better for my community,” said Rachna, a 16-year-old video young creator from Takeo province and a member of Green Ever, a winning team in the global UNICEF Game Jam.

During the National Game Jam in Phnom Penh, co-hosted by UNICEF and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), more than 600 students (over 65 per cent of them girls) aged 10 to 18 from 14 schools across 11 provinces showcased and pitched their original video games to a jury of experts, following a six-week tailored learning journey. Their projects drew on personal experiences and issues affecting their communities, demonstrating the role of creative tech in equipping young people to become problem-solvers and digital creators.

“Every year, millions of girls around the world miss out on opportunities in the digital economy because they lack access to the skills and networks needed to thrive. In Cambodia, innovative learning approaches like video game development are breaking barriers and driving digital inclusion and confidence in our students, regardless of their gender. Young people, including those from hard-to-reach areas, are discovering that they belong in these spaces and that their ideas matter,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia.

“This initiative places girls at the centre of Cambodia’s digital transformation. It empowers them to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital age by eliminating gender gaps in digital education and ensuring equitable access to modern learning opportunities. Through coding, problem solving, and teamwork, girls build critical thinking, leadership, and digital literacy skills that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development. The girls who design games today are the future software engineers, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders who will drive Cambodia’s social and economic progress,” said H.E. Dr. Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State of the MoEYS.

Globally, the Coalition aims to reach 1.1 million people across twelve countries by 2027, contributing to UNICEF’s global ambition to expand learning and skills-building opportunities for girls. The initiative continues to grow with the support of governments, civil society and private-sector partners.

This press release was written in conjunction with UNICEF.

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The UNICEF Game Changers Coalition builds on UNICEF’s existing work of providing girls with digital and 21st-century skills through its Skills4Girls initiative.

About Bitget

Founded in 2018, Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users with access to crypto, tokenized assets, and AI-powered trading tools across major blockchains. Its ecosystem includes Bitget Wallet, an everyday finance app used by over 80 million people. Bitget advances global crypto adoption through partnerships with LALIGA, MotoGP™, and UNICEF.

About UNICEF Office of Innovation

The UNICEF Office of Innovation aligns with a global network of thinkers, enablers and doers to identify and accelerate the scale of truly innovative solutions and approaches that address global challenges affecting children’s lives.