2 August 2024: AIT Extension and the International Training Center for Authorities and Leaders in Bangkok (CIFAL Bangkok) hosted a 3-day training program on “International Study Visit on Enhancing Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development Awareness Through UN Engagement” from 30 July – 1 August 2024. The event brought together 41 participants from China.
The training was designed for middle school, high school, and university students. Hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, this program leveraged partnerships with UN agencies, academic institutions, and corporate leaders to immerse young students in United Nations-related initiatives, global governance, and sustainable development practices, thus fostering cross-cultural understanding and equipping students with essential leadership skills for global citizenship.
The study visit was implemented through close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)’s Asia and the Pacific Office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, and the School of Integrated Innovation, Chulalongkorn University (CSII). It featured master classes on technical sessions, SDG workshops, on-site visits, international student exchange, and Model United Nations. Topics included Food security, Integrated Innovation, Environment Protection, Global Governance, and Sustainable Development Goals.
The courses were developed and organized by distinguished experts from UN agencies and academic institutions, featuring Mr. Sameer Karki, Technical Officer, Office of Climate, Biodiversity and Environment of FAO, Prof. Suchada Sukrong, Executive Director of CSII, Dr. Pietro Borsano, Deputy Executive Director, Industrial and Global Alliances, Ms. Daira Dmitrieva, International Affair Officer of CSII, Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, the Coordinator of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia of UNEP, Ms. Nitchakan Daramatat, Youth Engagement and Social Innovation Officer of UNDP Thailand, Mr. Wisoot Tantinan, Partnership and Engagement Advisor of UNDP Thailand, Mr. Rey Calabdan, Officer from AIT. It was co-facilitated by Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Director of CIFAL Bangkok and Executive Director of AIT Extension, Dr. Bahul Raj Shrestha, Program Specialist of AIT Extension, Yilan Qiao, Program Associate of CIFAL Bangkok.
During the session, participants were given the platform to discuss and debate potential solutions to address marine plastic pollution at Mini-Model United Nations, which is held at AIT. This exercise enhanced students’ research, cooperation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills for solving global development issues.
By the end of the event, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the critical role that youth leaders can play in global governance for promoting Sustainable Development Goals and Peace Building. They deepened knowledge of international cooperation, global pressing challenges, and sustainable development practices, and developed leadership skills in policy advocacy and effectively articulating their needs to contribute to a sustainable world.
About UNITAR CIFAL Bangkok
Supported by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), CIFAL Bangkok was established in 2023 and hosted by and part of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). CIFAL Bangkok provides a range of learning opportunities and facilitates knowledge sharing between authorities and local leaders of Asia Pacific countries to strengthen capacities, improve the decision-making process, and encourage sustainable development.
