YCA at the Forefront of Sustainable Change at NIC-NIDA Conference 2024
Bangkok, Thailand – The 3rd NIC-NIDA Conference 2024, held on August 22-23 at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) in Bangkok, brought together a diverse group of global experts, scholars, and development practitioners. The conference, themed "Redesigning Our Common Future for Sustainable Transformation," served as a platform for innovative discussions and groundbreaking research, with Yunus Center AIT (YCA) at the forefront.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Prof. Tippawan Lorsuwannarat, President of NIDA, who graciously welcomed all attendees and emphasized the event’s theme. Prof. Tippawan highlighted that the conference served as a vital forum for discussing innovative approaches to achieving sustainable development in an increasingly complex global landscape.
YCA’s Pioneering Role in Global Discussions
YCA’s active participation in the conference underscored its dedication to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With impactful presentations and influential roles in panel discussions, YCA members demonstrated their commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.
Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Change
The conference opened with a compelling keynote by Prof. Justin Yifu Lin from Peking University, who emphasized the importance of structural changes in developing economies to escape poverty traps and achieve long-term growth. He discussed how strategic investments in infrastructure and education could play a crucial role in this transformation. Following this, Prof. Peter Warr from the Australian National University explored the labor shifts from agriculture to industry in Asia, highlighting the need for policies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. He also underscored the importance of vocational training to prepare the workforce for these shifts.
YCA’s Innovative Research: Empowering Communities and Advancing Technology
YCA members presented research that directly addressed critical issues of gender equity, organizational management, sustainability, urban migration challenges, health initiatives, and community empowerment:
Ms. Saw Theint Theint Htet, Program Operation Manager at YCA, presented her research titled "Capacity Assessment: Organizational Management Towards Social and Environmental Sustainability in Myanmar." Her study examined the ability of organizations in Myanmar to implement sustainable practices, focusing on Environmental and Social Management Systems (EMS). She identified critical gaps in accountability and standardization, particularly in implementing ISO 14001 standards, and emphasized the need for more participatory decision-making.
Ms. Hnin Htet Htet Htun, Admin & Development Officer at YCA, presented her study on "Sustainable Transformation Strategies for Mitigating Socio-Economic Challenges of Rural to Urban Migration in Developing Countries," with a focus on Yangon, Myanmar. She highlighted the pressures of unplanned urbanization driven by rural-to-urban migration, proposing strategies for inclusive development.
Dr. Tanawan Samleerat Carraway, YCA’s Senior Program Specialist, introduced the Genki Campus initiative, a telehealth-driven program aimed at enhancing health and well-being at AIT. By integrating personalized health assessments with campus services, this initiative not only supports individual health management but also promotes a sustainable model for continuous wellness improvement within the educational environment. Dr. Carraway highlighted the initiative's potential as a blueprint for other universities looking to prioritize student health.
Dr. Tapaswini Dash, a lecturer at Naresuan University International College and a Visiting Scholar at YCA, shared her research on "Planting Seeds of Change: Women-led Eucalyptus Farming for a Sustainable Future in Thailand." Dr. Dash explored the socio-economic benefits of eucalyptus farming, particularly its role in empowering women in rural communities. She addressed environmental concerns and highlighted the Royal Forest Department of Thailand’s endorsement of sustainable eucalyptus practices.
Prof. Khimji Vaghjiani, a tech investor and mentor at NarNarayan Dev Consulting, and a long-time partner of YCA, presented his research on AI’s role in political leadership in South Asia. He highlighted AI's potential to address complex issues in developmental economics, such as reducing poverty and enhancing well-being. Prof. Vaghjiani advocated for a regulated AI national policy framework, aligning closely with YCA’s vision of leveraging technology for sustainable development.
Engagement in Day 1 Panel Discussions
On the first day, YCA team members, including Ms. Kim E. Kiatiwongse and Mr. Binay Karna, actively contributed to the panel discussions. They raised important points on the application of mindfulness in development and the integration of gender-sensitive approaches in community outreach projects, with panelists emphasizing the significance of these perspectives.
NIDA Day 1
Day 2: Advancing the Dialogue on Global Sustainability
The second day of the conference, August 23, built on the momentum of the first day with a keynote address by Prof. Yongyuth Yuthavong, an Honorable Member of the NIDA Council, Thailand. Prof. Yuthavong emphasized the urgent need to accelerate efforts to achieve the SDGs, noting that the world is not on track to meet these targets by 2030. He introduced the concept of Sustainable Transformational Goals (STGs)—a framework extending beyond 2030 that focuses on practical strategies to meet the SDGs by 2050. Prof. Yuthavong also highlighted the ethical considerations in adopting new technologies, urging caution and reflection on potential consequences. He concluded with a call for a collective effort to redesign our future with sustainability at its core.
Panel Discussion: Interdisciplinary Pathways to Sustainable Development
Panel discussions on Day 2, moderated by Dr. Sid Suntrayuth from NIDA, delved into interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development:
Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn from Chulalongkorn University focused on the relationship between SDGs and human rights, emphasizing the principle of non-discrimination and the need to leave no one behind. He questioned whether SDGs adequately cover the rights of non-nationals such as refugees and migrant workers. He highlighted that SDGs are more rights-oriented than their predecessors, the MDGs, and discussed the challenges of achieving these goals, stressing the importance of empathy and hope in driving transformational change.
Prof. Pier Paolo Pasqualoni, from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, discussed the role of universities in promoting SDGs, particularly through research, teaching, and community service. He argued that universities must not only provide technical solutions but also foster a culture of problem awareness among students, preparing them to shape the future. He emphasized the importance of inclusive education and the need for universities to act as role models in sustainability efforts.
Prof. Faiz Shah, M.D., Executive Director of Yunus Center AIT, delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of multinational cooperation in achieving the SDGs. Prof. Shah posed six critical questions that should guide global efforts, emphasizing the need for a responsive global governance framework and well-regulated public-private partnerships. “For me, SDGs are just 17 windows to one big global problem. We've disaggregated them as separate goals, but the truth is that without shared success in a humane world, we cannot achieve them,” Prof. Shah remarked. He highlighted the potential of social businesses to align profit with social benefits, a vision that resonates with Professor Muhammad Yunus' philosophy.
Prof. Shah also urged the global community to shift investment priorities towards social technologies—innovations aimed at addressing critical societal challenges like healthcare, education, and social infrastructure. “Our collective impact will be measured not just by economic growth, but by how inclusively and equitably we grow. It’s time to redefine what success looks like on a global scale,” he added.
Prof. Jacky Fok Loi Hong, from the University of Macau, addressed how multinational corporations (MNCs) can respond to SDG challenges, despite criticisms that they sometimes contribute to these issues. He emphasized that MNCs, with their international reach and multiple organizational entities, are uniquely positioned to implement best practices and coordinate efforts across geographical boundaries. Prof. Hong concluded by quoting former U.S. President Barack Obama, acknowledging that while the SDGs are ambitious, they are achievable with the right platforms and collective effort.
Ms. Choo Leng Goh from the Athenee Hotel in Bangkok shared insights from her journey to make her hotel the first in the world to achieve ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. She emphasized the importance of supporting local communities, particularly through direct purchasing from organic farmers, and how these efforts contribute to a sustainable future. She also discussed the hotel’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
NIDA Day 2
YCA’s Continued Commitment to Global Sustainability
Throughout the 3rd NIC-NIDA Conference 2024, YCA demonstrated leadership in sustainable development through its pioneering research and active participation in discussions. Inspired by Professor Muhammad Yunus' vision of a world with Three Zeros—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions—YCA continues to align its initiatives with this transformative vision, advocating for innovative social business solutions to global challenges.
As the world faces significant challenges, YCA’s contributions, particularly those of Prof. Faiz Shah, solidify its position as a leading advocate for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development. YCA remains steadfast in its mission to translate Professor Yunus’ vision into actionable strategies that contribute to a more just and sustainable future—one that resonates deeply with the next generation of changemakers.