UNICEF and Impact Hub Empower Youth-Led Social Innovation in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, 1 December 2025 – UNICEF Cambodia and Impact Hub Phnom Penh hosted the Generation Future 2025 Demo Day and Exhibition on 29 November to celebrate the transformative journeys of over 100 young Cambodian changemakers from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The event showcased the work of young leaders, who over the past six months have been equipped with the entrepreneurship skills to develop and implement social community solutions that contribute to a more inclusive and innovative Cambodia. 

Of the 15 social innovation solutions pitched, three outstanding projects were selected to receive an additional US$1,000 in seed funding to continue improving their existing prototype and scale their initiatives. The three projects are: 

• Empower Girls, which sparks young girls’ interest in STEM through a guidebook and tech box that helps build practical STEM skills;
• Super Mom, which supports the mental well-being of pregnant women through a “nine-month, ten-day” calendar that helps mothers track their feelings and learn essential nutrition tips for themselves and their babies;
• Hyper Healer, which aims to reduce mental load through uplifting flashcards that boost motivation and serve as icebreakers or peer-to-peer reflection tools. 

“I feel so inspired by the remarkable ideas, determination, and actions of this Generation Future cohort, who show us how when young people are empowered to lead and innovate, they can drive a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Cambodia,” said Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative. ”Their courage and creativity are shaping a brighter future for themselves, their communities, and their country.”

Young people in Cambodia often have limited opportunities to develop their potential and fully exercise their right to participation. Through Generation Future, UNICEF helps young people build essential entrepreneurship skills and mindsets that support both personal growth and future livelihoods. By focusing on those with the least access to learning and participation opportunities, Generation Future aims to be a turning point, enabling Cambodian young people to recognize their potential and take greater leadership in their own lives and communities.  

“Walking alongside our project teams throughout this journey has shown me how powerful youth can be when they are given the space to innovate,” said Thon Rithysochen, Innovation and Education Programme Manager at Impact Hub Phnom Penh. “What started as an opportunity to explore and unlock their potential became a catalyst that brought their ideas to life in meaningful and tangible ways. Through learning, co-creation, and hands-on implementation, they discovered the true value of teamwork. They began as strangers and grew into a united team, supporting one another through challenges, celebrating achievements, and uncovering new parts of themselves along the way. Their resilience, passion, and commitment truly reflect the spirit of youth leadership and social innovation.”

After a two-year hiatus, UNICEF Cambodia resumed Generation Future in 2025 to nurture young Cambodians from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap as changemakers for national development and as role models for children and adolescents. For this cohort, UNICEF partnered with Impact Hub Phnom Penh, a youth empowerment institution in Cambodia.

The programme kicked off with two intensive social hackathons in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which were attended by over 150 enthusiastic youth. From this cohort, 105 participants were selected and organized into 15 dynamic teams, each with 7 members, to drive youth-led social innovation.

To strengthen their entrepreneurship and project management skills, the teams participated in immersive bootcamps, field visits, online learning courses, and masterclasses, and received ongoing coaching, mentoring by industry professionals, and seed funding to support project implementation. Project topics include menstrual hygiene, climate action and sustainability, mental health, domestic violence, sexual and reproductive health, life skills, STEM and digital education, youth civic engagement, and more. 

Link to Generation Future 2025 landing page.