Celebrating 20 Years of Impact in Paris
On a joyful December evening, the Passerelles Numériques (PN) community gathered to celebrate 20 years of impact, connection, and hope – two decades dedicated to empowering vulnerable youth through education and digital training. The anniversary theme, “Celebrating 20 Years of Impact and Our Bright Future,” resonated throughout the event, honoring not only PN’s achievements but also the spirit of solidarity and collective action that fuels its mission. This memorable celebration was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Officience, Practicio, and Causae.
The evening opened with the graceful Canh Dieu Vietnamese dance, a performance embodying harmony and aspiration.
Following this captivating introduction, Karyn Mikkelsen-Tillet, PN’s Global Partnerships Director, took the stage as the evening’s emcee to welcome guests and set the tone for the celebration. Duc Ha Duong, President of PN, delivered inspiring opening remarks alongside Phuong Do, PN’s Executive Director. Together, they traced the organization’s remarkable journey—from its first training center 20 years ago to a network now transforming thousands of young lives across Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Madagascar.
Faced with challenges – changing technologies, persistent inequalities, limited resources – our mission remains the same: to offer every young person a chance, a future, and lasting independence. Together, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and believe in their potential.
Phuong Do – PN’s Executive Director
Karyn then introduced Isabelle Mas, Founder of Causae and PN Board Member, who led the evening’s central event — the roundtable discussion “Plus forts ensemble” (Stronger Together). The conversation invited guests to reflect on the vital role of partnerships in today’s complex global context. Beyond the festivities, it offered an opportunity for honest and thoughtful dialogue about how collaboration between foundations, companies, and NGOs continues to drive international solidarity. Participants shared both challenges and innovative solutions, showing how collective effort can spark enduring impact.
Moderated by Isabelle Mas, the discussion brought together distinguished voices including Philippe Walfard (AFD), Charlotte Raffet (AXIV-IT), Angelina Lamy (Fondation Accenture), Sarah Tirmarche (Epic Foundation), and Phuong Do (Passerelles Numériques). The panel explored how partnerships evolve and adapt during times of crisis—finding creative ways to maintain impact despite political uncertainty, reduced funding, and global economic pressures. From fair-shore digital outsourcing that values human potential to the use of artificial intelligence for inclusion, each speaker shared concrete examples of innovation serving humanity.
At AXIV-IT, social impact is part of our DNA. In PN, we have found a committed partner that is locally rooted and forward-looking. The ‘fair-shore’ model is our way of outsourcing for good: creating skilled, better-paid jobs and giving young people trained by PN the opportunity to continue their professional development in Cambodia.
Charlotte Raffet, CSR Manager, AXIV-IT
What stood out most throughout the conversation was a shared conviction: true resilience and innovation stem from partnerships grounded in a common purpose. By combining institutional support, entrepreneurial drive, and grassroots commitment, actors like AFD, AXIV-IT, Accenture, and Epic Foundation enable PN to continue its mission—training underprivileged youth in digital skills and opening the door to dignified, sustainable futures. The roundtable served as a powerful reminder that, even in uncertain times, we are stronger together.
After the discussion, guests enjoyed the French premiere of PN’s 20th anniversary video, retracing the organization’s history, milestones, and aspirations. Moving testimonials from founders, staff, and students captured what words alone could not—the passion, perseverance, and purpose behind every PN success story.
The program continued with a special presentation featuring PN’s four Country Directors:
• Hybunna Hang, PN Cambodia
• Luchi Flores, PN Philippines
• Trang Vo, PN Vietnam
• Lanto Rakotoandriana, PN Madagascar
Each shared heartfelt insights about their teams’ achievements and the unwavering determination of PN’s students. Their stories reflected the local realities and global vision that make PN’s approach unique.
To close the formal segment, PN’s founders, former presidents, and Country Directors came to the stage for a warm moment of gratitude and recognition. Gifts were exchanged, applause filled the room, and a heartfelt call to continue supporting PN’s mission united everyone present.
The grand finale came with a dazzling Apsara Cambodian dance performed by the ACK Cambodian Dance group, marking the joyful beginning of the dinner cocktail. As guests mingled, shared memories, and envisioned the road ahead, the evening’s energy remained vibrant—a celebration not only of PN’s past but of the shared journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Twenty years on, Passerelles Numériques stands as a living testament to the power of education, solidarity, and hope. And as the celebration reminded all who attended, the mission continues — together, hand in hand, for the next generation.
Thank you to the event photographer, Kevin Hayden, for capturing the spirit of the evening. Click here for more event photos!