The Open Institute was founded in September 2006 by a group of people who are committed and interested to contribute to the development of a democratic and just society by facilitating and promoting open dialogue in society through all means and tools.

We recognize that citizen participation in political and social movements, with freedom of expression and opinion and freedom to access to information, are fundamental for a democratic and just society. For this reason, the Open Institute was set up with the purpose to provide information, tools, and knowledge, and to promote dialogue in society. Key strategies are to provide computers tools in the Khmer language, to build capacity by providing free computer trainings throughout the country, to provide electronic channels for information sharing and discussion, and to organize face to face meetings to discuss social concerns, including topics related to gender equity. The Open Institute is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization and was officially registered at the Ministry of Interior on December 15, 2006.

Vision
A democratic and just Cambodian society in which all people have equal access to communication tools and to a free flow of information that reflects all points of view. Citizens participate in knowledge sharing and are motivated to express opinions and develop shared solutions to problems in an environment of open discussion.

Mission
The mission of the Open Institute is to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing, leading to more effective citizen participation in social and political development, by providing opportunities and means for people with different backgrounds and responsibilities to:

• Keep themselves informed on the social and political situation in Cambodia
• Have access to information and knowledge in Khmer through all means of communication, including Information and Communication Technology tools in the Khmer language
• Share perspectives and information with others, and cooperatively develop analyses of and solutions to issues

Goals

• To collect and disseminate information on Cambodian society and key issues
• To make available - in the Khmer language - affordable key computer applications, content management systems, training materials, and related knowledge resources, which enable that all Cambodian people can fully benefit from Information and Communication Technology
• To promote gender equality by ensuring that all program areas equally benefit women and men
• To promote critical thinking and eliminate communication barriers by using a complete set of communication content, tools, and strategies that facilitates open communication and problem solving in society.