Bitget and UNICEF are collaborating on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young girls in Cambodia to excel in the digital economy through an innovative approach centered on video game development. This initiative is part of the Game Changers Coalition, created by the UNICEF Office of Innovation, which targets girls and aims to equip them with essential skills in coding, storytelling, design, and financial literacy—competencies that are increasingly vital in Southeast Asia’s fast-paced tech industry.
Despite a growing demand for digital talent, women remain significantly underrepresented in technology sectors, primarily due to structural barriers that limit their access to digital skills and professional networks. UNICEF, alongside Bitget, the largest universal exchange, and other partners like the Global Video Games Coalition and the Micron Foundation, is actively working to dismantle these barriers. Their efforts include scaling inclusive, youth-centered digital learning programs designed to bolster confidence, capabilities, and long-term economic resilience among participants.
During his recent visit to Cambodia, Bitget’s Chief Marketing Officer Ignacio Aguirre met with teachers and students involved in the Coalition. He had the opportunity to engage with one of Cambodia’s winning teams from the inaugural global UNICEF Game Jam, a virtual hackathon that brought together young creators from eight countries. Cambodia stood out as a formidable participant, clinching awards in four of the seven categories.
“I am inspired by the determination and talent I have seen from the young people in Cambodia,” Aguirre remarked. “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.”
The initiative encourages intergenerational exchanges where participants share their creative processes, cultural inspirations, and the skills they are mastering. Rachna, a 16-year-old from Takeo province and a member of a winning team from the global Game Jam, expressed her newfound understanding of the potential of video games: “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.”
During a recent National Game Jam in Phnom Penh, co-hosted by UNICEF and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, over 600 students aged 10 to 18—more than 65% of whom were girls—from 14 schools across 11 provinces presented and pitched their original video games. This event followed a six-week tailored learning journey that enabled participants to draw on personal experiences and community issues, underscoring the role of creative technology in empowering youth as problem-solvers and digital creators.
Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, emphasized the importance of innovative learning approaches: “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 gender.”
H.E. Dr. Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State of the MoEYS, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative: “This initiative places girls at the center 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. 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.”
On a global scale, the Coalition aims to reach 1.1 million individuals across twelve countries by 2027, reinforcing UNICEF’s commitment to expand learning and skills-building opportunities for girls. This initiative continues to evolve, bolstered by the support of governments, civil society, and private-sector partners.
