You, Me, We, Us – A search for self and others from diverse ethnic backgrounds through words and images

Bangkok, August 9, 2021 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC), the Inter Mountain Peoples Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT) and the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (CIPT), with the support from the European Union (EU), invites everyone to explore diversity through “You Me We Us,” an online exhibition presenting stories from various ethnic groups in Thailand.

On the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, celebrated each year on 9 August, and with the theme of “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”, the exhibition highlights the importance of genuine participation to promote equal opportunities and respect for all human beings’ rights, dignity, and freedom. Most importantly, building a concrete and mutual understanding between the people, including people from ethnic groups, and the State, is the main goal of the exhibition. Building trust and strengthening social cohesion is a key enabler for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The EU and UNDP share and uphold human rights principles, including of ethnic minorities. The EU is committed to supporting democracy and human rights, in accordance with its founding principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. As an integrator of the Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, UNDP ensures that the pathway will leave no one behind. We support ethnic minorities in multiple ways, one of them through advocacy to increase the public’s knowledge and awareness of challenges they face.

You Me We Us tells the stories through writings, photographs, and videos that reflect the lives, ways of life, and challenges faced by ethnic groups in Thailand. Part of the work shown in the exhibition is the product of the “Creative and Strategic Communication for Sustainability'' workshops, a project designed to strengthen the communication skills of members of ethnic minorities and to unleash their potential to tell their stories to the World. The project is implemented by UNDP, supported by the EU, with Realframe as the facilitator.

You Me We Us aims to serve as a voice calling out to the people in society to learn more about diversity, and inspire them to explore the roots of ‘You’, ‘Me’, ‘We’ and ‘Us’. By questioning themselves, they might understand what imposes limitations in the lives of members of ethnic groups.

Ultimately, this exhibition aims to foster a mindset which will contribute to an environment of mutual respect and equality for all. Come and explore diversity starting on August 9 at you-me-we-us.com.

Click here to read the Thai version. 

Follow them on Facebook: @youmeweus.exhibition Instagram: @youmeweus.exhibition Twitter: @You_Me_We_Us  and tag #YouMeWeUs

Original article published on UNDP Thailand.

---

About the European Union

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 Member States. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development while maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedom. Learn more at https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/thailand_en and Facebook: @EUinThailand

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at https://www.th.undp.org and Twitter / Facebook: @UNDPThailand.