During 27 - 29 August 2018, the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand carried out the “UNderstand Project” in Phitsanuloke and Sukhothai provinces. The project was organised at Naresuan University and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University in Phitsanuloke province during 27 - 28 August 2018 and Udomdarunee School in Sukhothai province on 29 August 2018.

            The project aimed to raise awareness on the United Nations and multilateral diplomacy, comprehension of Thailand’s active role as a member of the United Nations, key developments of United Nations and international organisations as well as to promote employment opportunities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international organisations among Thai youth and the interested public.         

            Activities of the UNderstand Project included a series of lectures on the United Nations and Thailand’s creative role in international fora as well as a mobile exhibition  titled “UNderstand: Thai Youth Understands United Nations” to promote awareness on the role of Thailand in implementing the three pillars of the United Nations, namely Peace and Security, Human Rights, and Development, and in adopting Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) as a means to realise UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).      

            In addition to lectures and exhibition, quizzes on the United Nations, SDGs and international affairs, and SDGs in their daily lives were also organised. These activities provided an opportunity for participating students to share their views and actively engage in matters relating to international affairs.

            The UNderstand Project was well received by the participating schools and students, with more than 1,200 participants who expressed their support for the continuity of the project and interest in participating in the future.