Future Forum and Germany’s Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) will launch their second edition of Cambodia 2040 on Thursday, this time focused on culture and society.
The Cambodia 2040 series put out by the think tanks looks at how Cambodia will evolve over the next 20 years and covers factors influencing positive and negative scenarios.
The publication is put together with a collection of experts using a single methodological framework to set out potential scenarios that Cambodia is likely to confront two decades from now. It includes best-case scenarios and key factors needed to achieve the result, said their press release.
“The question of how to achieve the ideal scenario is part of the publication, as is the possibility of business as usual in 2040 as an analytical concept. This illustrates the hypothetical outcome if current practices continue,” it said.
The chapters in the second volume are focused on culture and society. Topics include Cambodian identity, culture, and legacy; gender equality and sexual reproduction; education; health; food; media; cashless Cambodia; and tourism.
The 240-page book has 10 authors, according to Robert Hor, programme manager for digitalisation and foreign policy at KAS.
He said the book brought together young Cambodian academics and their visions of the Kingdom’s future. The book series is divided into three parts: Economic development; society and culture; and governance. The final instalment will be launched by the end of the year.
“It is about playing with scenarios on how Cambodia might look like in 2040. This volume is special because it addresses the struggles of young Cambodians, in particular when it comes to gender stereotypes, gender injustices, and outdated education methods.
“It highlights the struggle of thousands of young Cambodians to find an identity in a digital, globalised and, at the same time, traditional Cambodia,” Hor said.
The book is meant to inspire young and old Cambodians and address issues in order to design a Cambodia they feel comfortable living in, he said.
“The book is about potential and what can be achieved when generations of Cambodians and internationals strive for change and betterment,” Hör said.
