On 16 February 2024, the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Thailand, jointly organized the Model UN Network (MUN) Thailand Dialogue under the theme “Young People & the Future of Sustainability” at MFA. The Dialogue aimed to offer a space for youths from MUN Thailand to exchange ideas with Dr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs, during his first visit to Thailand. Ms. Pinsuda Jayanama, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, and Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator, delivered their welcoming remarks on this occasion.

In his keynote speech, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs emphasized that changes could not happen without engaging youth at the center of policy shaping and decision-making, since over half of world’s population is under 30 years old. On this note, the UN Youth Office has been established to amplify the voices of youth throughout the world to the forefront of the UN’s work and to review the Youth 2030 strategy. Both sides also exchanged ideas on the challenges arising from digital transformation and climate change.

Director-General of the Department of International Organizations emphasized on the important role of youths in contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraged young people as agents of change to participate in policy discussions in order to build a sustainable future together. She also invited youths to send in their applications to participate in various youth forums within the UN, including the UNGA and ECOSOC Youth Forums.

The Model UN Network Dialogue demonstrated the joint efforts between Thailand and the United Nations in Thailand in driving forward SDG attainment, with the view that younger generations will be the main driving force in transforming Thailand and the world, while ensuring that no one is left behind. The Dialogue was participated by youths from MUN clubs in Thai universities, including Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Mae Fah Luang University, Mahidol University International College, Rangsit University, and Thammasat University, as well as Thai youth delegates to ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023, UNGA78 and COP28.