On the International Day of Education, which was celebrated on Jan 24, we reflect on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This year's focus on AI comes at a critical time, as the world grapples with a learning crisis.Even before Covid-19, 128 million young people in the Asia-Pacific were out of school, with millions more at risk of dropping out. Many of those in education are also at risk of being left behind: half of learners in the Asia-Pacific do not achieve basic literacy and numeracy by the end of primary school.We need to offer quality education that corresponds to the needs of future societies, including equipping future workers with green skills. In Thailand, students like Yuparat from Chiang Mai and Atichat from Sakon Nakhon envision schools that embrace technology, coding and AI. Their vision highlights the necessity for education systems to keep pace with the digital revolution. "My dream school should encourage the development of coding and AI skills through hands-on practice," said Yuparat, 15. Yuparat, a wheelchair user, also stressed the need for "personalised learning and flexible classrooms", in her interview with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco)."Technology is a very important part of our lives now. I think we can use it to make things better in the future," adds Atichat Butchan, also 15. He is one of the youngest members of the UN Children Fund's (Unicef) Young People Advisory Board, which provides guidance as the organisation works with partners, including the Thai government, on education reform.The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has said AI development should benefit everyone. The Global Digital Compact, which world leaders adopted as part of the Pact of the Future last September offers a roadmap to harness AI's potential and close digital divides, with the UN committed to leading this effort. In Thailand, we are collaborating with the government to ensure digital technologies benefit all students, especially those in underserved areas. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring AI serves as a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.AI has the potential to address educational gaps by personalising learning, improving teaching efficiency and expanding access to quality education. However, this potential must be balanced with the risks, including widening the digital divide. While over 97% of schools in Thailand have internet access, there are large disparities in computer access between urban and rural schools, and only 16% of households have a computer at home. Furthermore, many students lack meaningful computer skills and more than half of 16 to 19-year-olds do not use computers to create presentations. These disparities can turn technology into a barrier rather than a facilitator of learning.Teachers are at the forefront of this digital transformation. As Tanawat Suwannapan, a history teacher in Bangkok, explains, the quality of student assignments often indicates whether a student has computer access at home, and many students lack the foundational skills to effectively use AI or search engines."Most students who use ChatGPT to complete the assignment don't understand the answers they get," says Mr Suwannapan. Many struggle to use search engines effectively, copying the first response they find, he adds: "If they cannot even select a keyword for Google, how can they write a clear prompt or verify the accuracy of a ChatGPT response?"Teachers also highlight the importance of being able to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies."Being a teacher means you have to develop yourself at all times and this includes learning digital skills," said Nurhayatee Deraoke, a teacher at Ban Than Mali School in Yala Province. However, she pointed out the challenges teachers in more remote locations face: "Our school is in a mountainous region, so Internet access is unreliable".To support teachers, Unesco's AI Competency Framework provides a roadmap, emphasising a human-centred mindset, AI ethics, foundational knowledge and problem-solving through AI. Unicef's One Teacher Thailand project has assisted over 500,000 teachers in updating their technical knowledge.The government has taken commendable steps like the "Coding for All" initiative and a National AI Strategy. To bolster these efforts, the UN advocates for investments in AI-powered learning, teacher training, digital infrastructure and data privacy, along with measures to strengthen foundational learning.Public-private partnerships will be important in expanding access to AI tools and resources. Last December, Thailand launched Unesco's Readiness Assessment Methodology, which is a diagnostic tool to assess where countries stand with regards to AI infrastructure, governance, investments, social policy and public institutions.Thailand is set to host Asia's first Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in June. This event underscores the need for collaboration among policymakers, educators and the private sector to ensure AI is ethically developed and applied. The UN also supports Thailand's digital transition. By prioritising inclusivity, equity and fairness, we can create an education system that enables every child to thrive.This is not just about technology; it's about ensuring equity and inclusion and preparing a generation to navigate a complex, AI-driven world. We must heed the visions of students like Yuparat and Atichat and ensure every child and all learners are equipped to succeed in the digital age.Michaela Friberg-Storey serves as the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, representing the UN Secretary-General in the country. Marina Patrier is Deputy Director at the Unesco Regional Office in Bangkok. Kyungsun Kim is Unicef's Representative for Thailand., filtered_html

Thailand is making history today as the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality. By ensuring that all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, have the same rights to marry from the age of 18 and above, Thailand has sent a powerful message to the world: no one is left behind in love.Thailand’s progress toward this milestone reflects its long-standing commitment to the human rights of and equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer+ (LGBTIQ+) communities over the past two decades.The 2007 Constitution prohibits unjust discrimination against persons based on sex and personal status. Thailand further demonstrated its commitment by voting in favor of key UN resolutions that strengthen human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity in 2011 and 2012.In 2015, the Gender Equality Act marked a significant legislative breakthrough, criminalizing gender-based discrimination and recognizing diverse gender identities, solidifying Thailand’s position as a leader in LGBTIQ+ human rights in the region.In 2016, Thailand mandated that all educational institutions provide comprehensive sexuality education, including on gender norms and the rights of persons of diverse sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.These transformative changes, leading to the historic adoption of the Marriage Equality Act, were made possible through sustained advocacy, evolving social attitudes, strong community mobilization and leadership, and governmental commitment.The Marriage Equality Act brings life-changing benefits to LGBTIQ+ individuals, couples, and families.Gender-neutral terms such as "spouse" now replace "husband" and "wife" in the Civil and Commercial Code, ensuring equal rights in marriage, child adoption, healthcare decisions, inheritance, and more.Notably, the legislation also raises the minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18, aligning with international standards on child rights.Thailand’s landmark achievement aligns with its international human rights obligations.Article 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party, guarantees the right to marry and establish a family.Similarly, Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) provides for the equality of rights in marriage.Article 26 of the ICCPR and Article 2 of the UDHR further guarantee equal protection of the law without discrimination, a principle enshrined as a fundamental right under customary international law.Thailand’s own Constitution, in Section 27, prohibits all forms of discrimination, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to these principles.This month, in the lead-up to the law’s implementation, the UN Country Team in Thailand, comprising 21 UN entities, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, convened all 77 governors.The governors pledged to advance marriage equality and gender diversity.Over 600 officials and representatives from civil society gathered at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok, to celebrate and reaffirm their readiness to facilitate marriages under the new legislation.This moment exemplified the commitment of leaders across all levels of government to creating an inclusive society.While this achievement is historic, the journey toward full equality for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Thailand is far from over.UN analysis reveals that stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence persist in various sectors, including families, workplaces, schools, and communities.To truly fulfill the promise of “leaving no one behind,” further steps are needed—such as enforcing anti-discrimination and gender recognition bills, along with norm change advocacy.Equality, inclusivity, and the empowerment of marginalized groups are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The UN Country Team remains committed to supporting Thailand in reaching these goals, in collaboration with government, civil society, private sector and academia.Through our work, the UN creates an equitable environment where every individual has equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights.Thailand’s progress holds global importance and provides an opportunity to showcase its commitment to the principal of equality and non-discrimination.As UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated, “Inequalities can be beaten—if we commit to policies that promote equity rather than clinging to the same failed approaches.”The Marriage Equality Act embodies this spirit, serving as a meaningful step and offering a roadmap for other nations in the region and beyond.Thailand demonstrates what is possible. Now, it is time for other nations to follow suit.Yesterday, only 36 countries worldwide recognized marriage equality.Today, we reached 37 nations. The UN stands ready to support this global movement, working towards a world where all love is equal, and every individual can live with pride and dignity.That is how love wins! Original article published by Thai PBS, filtered_html

Building on the recent resolution by the Thai Cabinet to accelerate a pathway to nationality for nearly half a million stateless people, the Royal Thai Government (RTG) today reaffirmed its commitment to make statelessness in Thailand a thing of the past. At an event in Bangkok coordinated between the Royal Thai Government and UNHCR,  
the UN Refugee Agency, senior Thai officials shared Thailand’s bold vision on how to empower close to half a million people who are currently stateless to become productive Thai nationals.“Our ultimate goal is to enable these individuals to become fully recognised members of our society,” said Sabeeda Thaised, Deputy Minister of Interior of Thailand. “Together, let us ensure that every person has a place to call home, and that statelessness will one day be a challenge of the past.”  UNHCR, mandated by the UN General Assembly to prevent and reduce statelessness,  
is working closely with the RTG to ensure the successful implementation of the Cabinet resolution, which will streamline permanent residency for 335,000 long-term residents of Thailand and nationality for 142,000 of their Thailand-born children. It is one of the most ambitious initiatives to reduce statelessness anywhere in the world. “Thailand is leading by example” said Tammi Sharpe, UNHCR’s Representative in Thailand. “This unprecedented step forward will drastically reduce statelessness in Thailand.  We hope it will also inspire countries in the region and beyond to take similar bold steps too.” The Cabinet resolution demonstrates Thailand’s leadership on the world stage as  
a member of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness. The Alliance was launched last month in Geneva, just as the #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness marked its tenth and final anniversary. “The launch of the Campaign in 2014 was a strategic forward-looking decision, despite its ambitious goal of ending statelessness within a decade,” said Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection. “It contributed to the progress we see today, including in terms of the much stronger global consensus on the need to address statelessness.”  Based on its global expertise in statelessness, UNHCR will continue supporting the RTG, for example by contributing equipment for its mobile registration drives. UNHCR will also continue partnering with civil society groups and organisations led by stateless or formerly stateless people to assist stateless communities with processing their applications through the accelerated pathway for permanent residency or nationality. Such organisations led the discussions in the event in Bangkok, joining with RTG officials and Thai academics to recommend how to maximise stateless people’s contributions to Thailand. “As someone who was once stateless myself, I am so happy that my stateless family members and friends will be able to acquire nationality or permanent residence in Thailand much quicker,” said Meefa Asong, President of the Local Community Network (LCN),  
the first stateless-led organisation in Thailand to be an official partner of UNHCR. “We are eager to show our loyalty to Thailand and commitment to help build the country.” By resolving the statelessness of some 484,000 people, Thailand will unlock the potential for these individuals—who already have strong ties to Thailand—to contribute fully to the nation’s economic and cultural fabric.    , filtered_html

The United Nations in Thailand has joined the Global Compact Country Network in Thailand (GCNT) in convening 141 private sector companies and partners at the GCNT Forum 2024 in Bangkok, as they reaffirmed their collective commitment to unlock growth and positive social impact through sustainable business. The forum urged for greater integration of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into sustainable supply chains, to accelerate progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In his keynote remarks, H.E. Pichai Naripthaphan, the Minister of Commerce, noted the importance of inclusive business as a catalyst for change and an equitable society. “The current economic trend in Thailand is progressing well. The government is continuously attracting investment in emerging industries. For example, we must accelerate efforts to position Thailand as a hub for Data Centers and AI, which represent the direction of the future global economy. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Commerce is striving to promote a new generation of SMEs with a focus on inclusive business practices. The government will support sustainability in the economy and trade to ensure that businesses contribute to both societal and environmental growth simultaneously. With the world changing rapidly, we must keep pace with market demands by leveraging our strengths and pushing Thailand's soft power to aid in product marketing. Thai people are highly capable and talented, and all sectors must join forces to ensure success.”He went on to outline key government policies, including: “1) reducing costs, increasing income, expanding opportunities, managing the cost of living, alleviating the financial burdens of citizens, and creating career opportunities by expanding trade channels, both online and offline, to allow SMEs greater access to domestic and international markets; 2) managing the balance between consumers, farmers, and entrepreneurs; 3) promoting policies to stimulate the local economy; and 4) encouraging entrepreneurs to tap into environmentally conscious markets that prioritize sustainability.”The Minister added that: “inclusive business is a critical solution for building a sustainable and equitable society. It lays the foundation for driving sustainable development in the future through collaboration across all sectors.”   Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, President of Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, delivered a report titled "Forward Faster to 2030 for Inclusive Business." He highlighted the progress made by members in various dimensions, particularly the announcement of sustainability policies and their tangible implementation. This includes continuous risk prevention measures, regular disclosure of operational outcomes, and sustainability training for employees.Mr. Suphachai noted that members are making efforts to reduce environmental impacts by incorporating clean energy into their operations, producing energy-efficient goods and services, and investing in various sustainability projects. However, he stressed the urgent need for members to take action to scale their sustainability efforts to include business partners and supply chains. This requires setting clear goals, systematically collecting data, and reporting outcomes regularly, ultimately fostering a culture of responsible business competition.Mr. Suphachai also addressed the "3Ds," which represent key global sustainability challenges and  are drivers for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These include: Deglobalization, Decarbonization – Reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, an area where many countries are still lagging, and Digitalization.To address these challenges, the UN Global Compact identified five key goals where the private sector can drive meaningful change, forming the basis of the "Forward Faster" initiative: (1) Achieving gender equality, (2) Reducing the impacts of climate change, (3) Setting fair living wages, (4) Revitalizing water resources and Building water resilience, (5) Financing and investing in SDGs.Mr. Suphachai proposed that Thailand should focus on four new fundamental factors to accelerate sustainable development goals, namely: 1) promoting equal access to quality education - beyond improving teaching standards, businesses should be transformed into learning centers that integrate both professional knowledge and sustainability awareness; 2) expanding access to digital technology - support students, entrepreneurs, startups, and farmers in accessing online data repositories while also developing accessible and creative digital media; 3) increasing access to innovative financial services - leverage fintech and virtual banking to reduce financial inequality, especially for grassroots economies, SMEs, and vulnerable groups; and 4) developing basic insurance systems - Introduce agricultural insurance to turn climate crisis challenges into business opportunities, benefiting both financial institutions and farmers.“We must act proactively and race against time to ‘shift’ inequality into equity, ensure universal access to the four new fundamental factors, ‘transform’ businesses into future-ready enterprises, and ‘reshape’ the current world into a sustainable one,” Mr. Suphachai concluded. Commending GCNT members for their commitment towards the SDGs, Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, said “the path to a more equitable future requires collaboration among the private sector, government, civil society, and international organizations to drive holistic societal change.”“This effort must also prioritize innovation,” she said, outlining 3 key aspects linked to inclusive business practices: 1) achieving a just transition that leaves no one behind; 2) harnessing technology and innovation for equity; and 3) unlocking sustainable financing for transformation.The UN Resident Coordinator noted that in Thailand, the government has played a fundamental role in establishing regulatory frameworks and implementing investment-stimulating policies. In parallel to this, the private sector has contributed up to 90% of GDP and 90% of jobs in-country, with 75% of all investments in the past year coming from private sources. In addition, SMEs have accounted for 99.6% of all domestic businesses, highlighting the important role the private sector plays in leading the green transition and addressing demands for a greener workforce.   During the event, the concept of inclusive business landscape became the centrepiece of panel discussions. Prominent speakers contributed ideas on accelerating human capital development, as well as on business models for agri-food systems transformations and their linkages to social and economic benefits. This year’s GCNT Forum brought together more than 400 participants, including UN agencies in Thailand, GCNT member organizations, and sustainability partners. Participants included leading private sector companies, including Charoen Pokphand Group, IRPC Public Company Limited, NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, CP All Public Company Limited, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, SCBX Public Company Limited, Berli Jucker Public Company Limited, PTT Public Company Limited, True Corporation Public Company Limited, United Overseas Bank (UOB) Public Company Limited, L’Oréal (Thailand) Limited, SCG Packaging Public Company Limited, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The forum also welcomed 8 youth organizations and representatives of 9 academic institutions who are part of the ‘SDGs Young Creator’ initiative., filtered_html