The second workshop of the CSPP South East Asia Regional Consultation was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on the 21st and 22nd June 2005, in collaboration with the MEDiCAM. The two-day workshop on 'CSOs, Evidence and Policy Influence' was attended by representatives of CSOs, educational institutes and bilateral and multilateral donor agencies working in Cambodia and provided a forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges for CSOs to use evidence to inform policy, learn about the latest worldwide research and practice in this area, share experiences about ongoing activities and identify opportunities for collaborative work. See the Regional Consultation index for more information on the consultation process.

Dr. Sin Somuny, Executive Director of MEDiCAM, facilitated the workshop with Mr. Ros Hoy. The workshop was presided over by H.E. Dr. Mam Bun Heng, Secretary of State, Ministry of Health, the Royal Government of Cambodia, who gave a welcome address. Presentations were given on the RAPID and CSP programmes at ODI, RAPID's Context, Evidence and Links Framework (powerpoint presentation 570kb) and two case studies from Cambodia.

Dr. Brett Ballard from Cambodian Development Resource Institute (CDRI) presented a case study on 'Evidence and Policy in Cambodia: Lessons Learnt, Opportunities and Constraints' in which two case studies dealing with participatory poverty assessment in the Tonlé Sap region were discussed. Dr. Sin Somuny presented a case study on MEDiCAM (powerpoint presentation 78kb) as an example of a Cambodian CSO that advocates for policy change. He also highlighted several lessons learned: empirical evidence is the best way to support policy changes; NGOs/CSOs need to work closely together; a well-documented consensus between CSOs is essential for making sure that the recommendations made are considered to be credible by the government; and risk can be reduced by CSOs not being too confrontational and not aligning with any political party.

During the plenary discussion participants brainstormed on the general policy constraints they faced, what tools have been used for successfully dealing with them, and how policy makers should be approached. Group work involved participants considering familiar case studies and analysis of the cases using the CEL framework.

The main lessons learned throughout the two days of discussions were:

• Involving the beneficiaries in understanding any problem and supporting its solution is crucial for developing a sense of ownership by all the stakeholders;
  
• CSOs should be able to access government data;
  
• Public awareness can be difficult when people are frightened or intimidated by local officials;
  
• CSOs should avoid alignment with any particular political party;
  
• Both formal and informal networks need to be identified - CSOs must work both 'inside and outside' the government to have sustained impact over policy;
  
• Utilise public forums, such as TWGs, whenever possible;
  
• It is necessary to be both confrontational and constructive;
  
• The more people/groups behind a topic or cause, the safer it will be for them to advocate for change. It is difficult to stand alone in Cambodia, especially in isolated, rural areas as personal safety can be at stake;
  
• Capacity building is needed for both government and CSO staff;
  
• Empower the community to participate in the policy making process. Local authorities such as Commune Councils can be very useful partners in this process;
  
• Links to the private sector can also be beneficial in influencing policy.

Participants were asked to make recommendations on how ODI can further support Cambodia's CSOs in influencing policy. Suggestions included:

• Providing training on research methodology;
  
• Working with CSO networks to improve advocacy and negotiation skills with policy makers;
  
• Funding for local CSOs;
  
• Developing capacity on policy analysis, advocacy, human resources and support institutional development;
  
• Organising study tours and exchange visits to foreign countries to examine other nations' successes in influencing government's policy;
  
• Sharing experience through website, e-mails;
  
• Providing technical and financial support for pilot policy initiatives, from research to advocacy;
  
• Strengthening existing advocacy networks.

Click on the links below if you would like further information.

• Full Workshop report:
  • complete report with presentations images in Annexes (pdf 1mb)
  • report text only (pdf 400kb)
  • annexes only (pdf 995kb)
• Summary Workshop report (pdf 77kb)
• Workshop Programme
  
• Background information materials provided to participants:
  
  • Civil Society Organisations Partnership Programme - 2 page summary (pdf 44kb)
    
  • ODI Research and Policy in Development Programme - 2 page summary (pdf 46kb)
    
  • CSO Partnership Programme: Key Terms and Definitions (pdf 43kb)
    
  • CSPP Call for Case Studies (pdf 44kb)
    
  • CSPP Summary Case Study form (pdf 30kb)
    
  • Organisations involved in research on research-policy links (pdf 115kb)
    
  • Bridging Research and Policy in International Development - RAPID Briefing Paper 1 (pdf 118kb)
    
  • RAPID Publications list (pdf 38kb)
    
  • Tools Book (RAPID publication)