View allAll Photos Tagged msme
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Since 2017, the FAO-EU FLEGT Programme has been collaborating with the Colombian National Federation of Wood Industries (FEDEMADERAS). FEDEMADERAS represents over 800 timber enterprises along the supply chain, out of which 300 are MSMEs. It accumulates over 18 years of experience in advocating for and linking small, medium and large timber companies, forest-sector service suppliers and forest communities. Through combined efforts, the Programme and FEDEMADERAS have achieved significant milestones, such as assisting 61 MSMEs in determining barriers to legality and drafting tailor-made action plans. FEDEMADERAS also linked 13 MSMEs with 20 legal timber suppliers and guided over 60 MSMEs in the process of incorporating gender equality principles into company policies. The FAO-EU FLEGT Programme is a global demand-driven initiative that provides technical support and resources for activities that further the goals of the EU’s FLEGT Action Plan. The Programme is funded by the European Union, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom. Since 2016, the Programme has supported 19 projects in Colombia, amounting to over USD 800 000, with a special focus on establishing the Intersectoral Pact for Legal Timber, strengthening regional forestry round tables and improving forest governance structures at the ground-level.
©FEDEMADERAS
From left to right: Mr. Geoffrey Sengendo, Head, Technical Services: RCDF, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC); Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Director for the Rural Development Fund (RCDF), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC); Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union; Mr. Barnabás Csikós, Business Development Team Leader, INPUT Program; Mr. Christopher Clark, Head, Membership and Partner Relations, International Telecommunication Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
@ Nehru Institute of Engineering & Technology - NGI Coimbatore.
The workshop includes multi sessions for strategic key ideas, innovative entrepreneurship and creating enterprises. Technology Business incubation for unique combination of business development processes, infrastructure and students. To initiate incubation activities in Technology Business Centre to facilitate technology commercialization.
Chief Guest for the workshop is Shri. Sathesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Ministry of MSME, Coimbatore.
From left to right: Mr. Geoffrey Sengendo, Head, Technical Services: RCDF, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC); Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Director for the Rural Development Fund (RCDF), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC); Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union; Mr. Daniel Vincz, Global Ambassador, INPUT Program; Mr. Christopher Clark, Head, Membership and Partner Relations, International Telecommunication Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
From left to right: Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Director for the Rural Development Fund (RCDF), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
There is no shortage of options for businesses wishing to raise funds, but selecting the optimal structure is challenging. Raising finance to fund expansion plans means examining a wide range of issues and answering a complex set of questions. Our Team can enhance value through the delivery of strategic advice and execution services to corporations who seek value-enhancing solutions that complement their growth strategies
Structured Finance / Debt Syndication:
Debt is a major contributor to the wealth of an investor. The subsidies of debt help a business to survive and grow. In various industries, infusion of debt only creates the rationale to do that business.
At Caston Corporate Advisory, we are involved in advising corporations on the appropriate mode and structure of debt to be raised. We can be useful in capital Market transactions where the company is looking for the most suitable form of finance from the complex funding options available.
We are experienced in organizing transactions involving:
oSupplier and vendor finance (Bill Discounting)
We help in making clear analysis of the fund raising options available and provide an insight of the most efficient strategy to follow for long term benefit. We are also experienced in handling:
oCommercial Papers
onon-convertible debenture issues
oOther exchange traded debentures
Private Equity:
Companies seek Private equity when they:
Need Start-up capital: Various talented professionals do not require capital in developing a product or a technology but it needs funds to commercialize them. We help such talented pool of professionals in gaining that edge which can help them in reaching to their ultimate goal. We have access to various venture capitalists and angels who would want to invest in new ideas and take them many steps forward.
Are over leveraged: At times organizations have the potential to grow, but the leverage ratios turn unfriendly. We help such organizations raise Private Equity, and gain further access to debt to ensure a rational capital structure and its efficient management.
Looking to grow inorganically: Organizations need bigger capital to grow inorganically, we have the expertise to advice companies who are on an acquisition spree and also arrange capital to execute the takeover.
Need capital without involving outside operational managers: Some organizations are takeover friendly and are always looked at by competitors as their target. We can help such companies in acquiring private capital thus providing them a strong defense (in the form of a strong investor) against a possible takeover by the competitor and also facilitating independent operations as usual.
Our Corporate consultants advise on the timing, and strategy for infusing Private Equity.
For more information – check www.castoncorporateadvisory.in or contact on Caston Corporate Advisory Services: 6 / 5, Didar House Building, DLF Industrial Area, Moti Nagar New Delhi-110015 (India) Ph.:+91-11-25161294
From left to right: Mr. Barnabás Csikós, Business Development Team Leader, INPUT Program and Mr. Christopher Clark, Head, Membership and Partner Relations, International Telecommunication Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
From left to right: Mr. John Omo, Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union and Mr. Barnabás Csikós, Business Development Team Leader, INPUT Program
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Photographer:
Natalie Nicolas, MSME, G4
More about the photographer:
Natalie is a G4 PhD student in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering. When not in the lab, she enjoys baking, art, and nature photography.
Description:
A macro photo of water drops on a pink rose
Time & Location:
Longfellow house gardens, Cambridge MA, May 29 2021
WIPO Director General Daren Tang (left) and Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs Victor Bisonó Haza of the Dominican Republic signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to work together to promote the use and protection of intellectual property (IP) as a tool for innovation, transformation and development of the Dominican Republic.
The LoU was signed during an official visit to Santo Domingo.
In a meeting, Mr. Tang and Mr. Bisonó Haza agreed that IP is not just a legal right but a powerful tool for business growth, promoting trade and investments.
More: WIPO Director General Tang Visits Dominican Republic
Copyright: WIPO. Photo: Samar Shamoon. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO License.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
@ Nehru Institute of Engineering & Technology - NGI Coimbatore.
The workshop includes multi sessions for strategic key ideas, innovative entrepreneurship and creating enterprises. Technology Business incubation for unique combination of business development processes, infrastructure and students. To initiate incubation activities in Technology Business Centre to facilitate technology commercialization.
Chief Guest for the workshop is Shri. Sathesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Ministry of MSME, Coimbatore.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Mr. Christopher Clark, Head, Membership and Partner Relations, International Telecommunication Union
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Mr. Barnabás Csikós, Business Development Team Leader, INPUT Program
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
2022-06-08: In frame, (L-R) Rania Bikhazi, Director - ILO Office for Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia; Hon. Jesper Kammersgaard, Ambassador of Denmark to Morocco and Mauretania; H.E. Nasreddine Nsibi, Ministry of Employment and vocational training of Tunisia; Ms. Yacine Fal, Acting Vice President, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery; H.E. Sekkouri Younes, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills; Federica Saliola, Lead Economist in the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice of the World Bank and Adil Chikhi, Director, Head of Industry, Commerce and Agriculture for Morocco & Tunisia, EBRD sharing a frame together during the North Africa Conference on Entrepreneurship and MSMEs, Rabat (DAY2).
Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Director for the Rural Development Fund (RCDF), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
ITU Telecom World 2019
©ITU/ZSIGMOND LASZLO
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Project Advisory Commitee Meeting with the government, DFAT and partner organisations to review the work of the UNJP and make plans on how social protection can contribute to the Covid-19 recovery, 5 November, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Mongkon Duangkhiew.
More information on UN Joint Programme “Leaving no one behind: Establishing the basis for social protection floors in Lao PDR”: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_756752/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
2022-07-06: (L-R) Mouhamed GUEYE, Chief Development Economist at African Development Bank; Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO); Toyin Adeniji, Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry; Martha Phiri, Country Manager, African Development Bank in Rwanda; Jesko Hentschel, World Bank Director for the Maghreb and Malta; Ismail Douiri, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Attijariwafa Bank, and Mohammed Talal, Municipalities Mohammedia PAM sharing a stage during the North Africa Conference on Entrepreneurship and MSMEs, Rabat, (Day 1).
There is no shortage of options for businesses wishing to raise funds, but selecting the optimal structure is challenging. Raising finance to fund expansion plans means examining a wide range of issues and answering a complex set of questions. Our Team can enhance value through the delivery of strategic advice and execution services to corporations who seek value-enhancing solutions that complement their growth strategies
Structured Finance / Debt Syndication:
Debt is a major contributor to the wealth of an investor. The subsidies of debt help a business to survive and grow. In various industries, infusion of debt only creates the rationale to do that business.
At Caston Corporate Advisory, we are involved in advising corporations on the appropriate mode and structure of debt to be raised. We can be useful in capital Market transactions where the company is looking for the most suitable form of finance from the complex funding options available.
We are experienced in organizing transactions involving:
oSupplier and vendor finance (Bill Discounting)
We help in making clear analysis of the fund raising options available and provide an insight of the most efficient strategy to follow for long term benefit. We are also experienced in handling:
oCommercial Papers
onon-convertible debenture issues
oOther exchange traded debentures
Private Equity:
Companies seek Private equity when they:
Need Start-up capital: Various talented professionals do not require capital in developing a product or a technology but it needs funds to commercialize them. We help such talented pool of professionals in gaining that edge which can help them in reaching to their ultimate goal. We have access to various venture capitalists and angels who would want to invest in new ideas and take them many steps forward.
Are over leveraged: At times organizations have the potential to grow, but the leverage ratios turn unfriendly. We help such organizations raise Private Equity, and gain further access to debt to ensure a rational capital structure and its efficient management.
Looking to grow inorganically: Organizations need bigger capital to grow inorganically, we have the expertise to advice companies who are on an acquisition spree and also arrange capital to execute the takeover.
Need capital without involving outside operational managers: Some organizations are takeover friendly and are always looked at by competitors as their target. We can help such companies in acquiring private capital thus providing them a strong defense (in the form of a strong investor) against a possible takeover by the competitor and also facilitating independent operations as usual.
Our Corporate consultants advise on the timing, and strategy for infusing Private Equity.
For more information – check www.castoncorporateadvisory.in or contact on Caston Corporate Advisory Services: 6 / 5, Didar House Building, DLF Industrial Area, Moti Nagar New Delhi-110015 (India) Ph.:+91-11-25161294
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
L-R: Mr. Ramesh Datla, Chairman, CII National MSME Council & Past Chairman, Andhra Pradesh & Managing Director, Elico Ltd.; Dr. Balaji Nukal, Managing Director, Seedworks India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Anil Kumar V Epur, Chairman-Task Force on Agriculture & Past Chairman - CII Southern Region; Mr. V Nagi Reddy, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh at the the Conference on Indian Agriculture: Are we heading for a Malthusian Crisis, on 19 February 2011, at Hyderabad
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
Live demonstration of the biomass gasifier was also conducted at the awareness program cum demonstration workshop on
“Biomass Gasifier Technology and its potential for use by MSMEs in Punjab”.
In an effort to align with the USAID Digital Strategy and recognize USAID Missions, Bureaus and partners that are empowering countries in a digital age, USAID launched the 2022 Digital Development Awards (the Digis), the fourth round of these awards. The Digis recognize and celebrate USAID-funded projects and activities that use digital technology to sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems in order to improve measurable development and humanitarian-assistance outcomes. After receiving nearly 200 applications from USAID Missions around the world, five winners were selected for the 2022 Digital Development Awards, including USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia: Digital Asia Accelerator, implemented by DAI’s Digital Frontiers.
As one of the fastest growing regions, the Indo-Pacific provides significant opportunities for businesses and citizens to participate in the digital economy. However, the region’s rapid digital transformation means that people and businesses without internet access or the necessary digital skills are being left behind from this new economic reality. Cyber attacks, combined with low awareness of cybersecurity issues, are a growing threat to the digital safety of citizens and businesses.
To respond to this need, USAID/RDMA developed the Digital Asia Accelerator (DAA). Implemented by DAI’s Digital Frontiers and part of the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), DAA used three main approaches to reach key audiences in Southeast Asia and Mongolia. These approaches included working with partners like Microsoft and WhatsApp for Business to provide targeted digital upskilling and cybersecurity support through training and coaching, creating opportunities for the MSME community to learn about digital policies that would affect their businesses to help them effectively engage policymakers on these issues, and partnering with artists, local media, and companies like Meta to develop creative communication campaigns to raise awareness and build capacity among citizens to employ key cybersecurity practices and hygiene.
One specific project was a Mongolian-based contest, “Only Mine,” aimed to raise awareness of cybersecurity. The contest partnered with Love Frankie, a social impact agency, and Viral Partners, a marketing and advertising firm to design and implement the campaign, which reached nearly 3 million Mongolians online. The dance contest winners, Tamir and Byamba, choreographed and filmed a video to the contest’s theme song, with lyrics centered on cybersecurity education. After the video won, its viral presence online helped push cybersecurity awareness and education across different cities and communities of Mongolia.
When asked how they utilized the dance as a story-telling opportunity, Byamba shared, “We wanted to help others realize that this is an invasion of personal space.”
The Accelerator’s ability to convene large-scale policy forums with leaders from participating countries, combined with an emphasis on youth engagement through informative educational content hosted on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, allowed the project to reach an expansive and diverse set of stakeholders.
Photo Credit: Khasar Steppe for USAID
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.
In an effort to align with the USAID Digital Strategy and recognize USAID Missions, Bureaus and partners that are empowering countries in a digital age, USAID launched the 2022 Digital Development Awards (the Digis), the fourth round of these awards. The Digis recognize and celebrate USAID-funded projects and activities that use digital technology to sustain open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems in order to improve measurable development and humanitarian-assistance outcomes. After receiving nearly 200 applications from USAID Missions around the world, five winners were selected for the 2022 Digital Development Awards, including USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia: Digital Asia Accelerator, implemented by DAI’s Digital Frontiers.
As one of the fastest growing regions, the Indo-Pacific provides significant opportunities for businesses and citizens to participate in the digital economy. However, the region’s rapid digital transformation means that people and businesses without internet access or the necessary digital skills are being left behind from this new economic reality. Cyber attacks, combined with low awareness of cybersecurity issues, are a growing threat to the digital safety of citizens and businesses.
To respond to this need, USAID/RDMA developed the Digital Asia Accelerator (DAA). Implemented by DAI’s Digital Frontiers and part of the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), DAA used three main approaches to reach key audiences in Southeast Asia and Mongolia. These approaches included working with partners like Microsoft and WhatsApp for Business to provide targeted digital upskilling and cybersecurity support through training and coaching, creating opportunities for the MSME community to learn about digital policies that would affect their businesses to help them effectively engage policymakers on these issues, and partnering with artists, local media, and companies like Meta to develop creative communication campaigns to raise awareness and build capacity among citizens to employ key cybersecurity practices and hygiene.
One specific project was a Mongolian-based contest, “Only Mine,” aimed to raise awareness of cybersecurity. The contest partnered with Love Frankie, a social impact agency, and Viral Partners, a marketing and advertising firm to design and implement the campaign, which reached nearly 3 million Mongolians online. The dance contest winners, Tamir and Byamba, choreographed and filmed a video to the contest’s theme song, with lyrics centered on cybersecurity education. After the video won, its viral presence online helped push cybersecurity awareness and education across different cities and communities of Mongolia.
When asked how they utilized the dance as a story-telling opportunity, Byamba shared, “We wanted to help others realize that this is an invasion of personal space.”
The Accelerator’s ability to convene large-scale policy forums with leaders from participating countries, combined with an emphasis on youth engagement through informative educational content hosted on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, allowed the project to reach an expansive and diverse set of stakeholders.
Photo Credit: Khasar Steppe for USAID
Beneficiaries from the project "Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19" in various sectors and businesses, Lao People's Democratic Republic. ©ILO/Phoonsab Thevongsa.
More information on the Supporting resilience of Lao MSMEs in response to COVID-19 project: www.ilo.org/asia/projects/WCMS_778424/lang--en/index.htm
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.