YRDP was initiated in 1992 and legally registered with the Ministry of the Interior in 1998. YRDP is not affiliated with any political party or religion. YRDP strives to uphold its values of empowerment, development, active non-violence, solidarity, gender equity, impartiality and transparency in all the activities is organizes. Its goal is to build confidence in youth by strengthening their critical thinking skills and by empowering them to actively participate in building a culture of peace, justice and sustainable development in Cambodia. Currently, YRDP has 21 qualified and committed staff (50% female) who work it its three main units – Training, Youth Empowerment and Communications, with support from other partner organizations. Since 1992, about 21,806 students have participated in a YRDP activity. Many are now working with different institutes, including private companies, civil society organizations, government departments and running their own businesses.

The training activities are primarily conducted at the YRDP office, located at the north end of Phnom Penh, near many of the city’s University campuses. The practical field visits and the volunteer youth club activities take place in Phnom Penh and surrounding areas, as well as in various provinces such as Kampong Cham, Kandal, Takeo, Kampong Chnang and Kampong Speu. Students also visit other NGOs, associations and government institutes both in Phnom Penh and provincial areas.