On 28 September 2017, Mr. Sumet Laomoraphon, Managing Director of C.P. Leadership Institute and Chairman of C.P. Intertrade Co. Ltd., led a group of 20 young Thai leaders who will participate, under CP Group’s sponsorship, in the One Young World Summit 2017 in Bogota, Colombia from 4 - 7 October 2017, to call on H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

 

In his address, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated the youths on their successful selection and reaffirmed the importance the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attaches to promoting young Thais in international fora, where they can play an ambassador-like role in representing and promoting the country. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that throughout its long history, Thailand has consistently adhered to the Open-Door Policy, which is characterized by openness and acceptance of differences in the world community. In particular, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs asked the young representatives to help promote the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The SEP had been adopted by all sectors in the Thai society following the 1997 economic crisis, which contributed considerably to the nation’s quick recovery. Thailand is therefore ready to share its knowledge and experiences on the SEP with other developing countries. 

 

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also gave basic information on Colombia, the host country of the One Young World Summit 2017, and its relations with Thailand. One area of mutual interest is how to overcome the drug crops cultivation. In this regard, a Colombian delegation visited Thailand earlier this year for a study tour on Thailand’s successful royal crop substitution scheme.

 

One Young World Summit is held annually in different countries bringing young leaders aged between 18 and 30 years old from around the world to meet and share experiences among themselves as well as exchange views with invited leading international leaders. The event aims to enhance capacity and networking of the world’s future leaders in order to create a positive change in the world. Two years ago, Bangkok hosted the One Young World Summit 2015, which was attended by over 1,300 youths from more than 190 countries.