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.
