By HWPL
On February 15, “Human Rights Webinar for National Development in Thailand” was organized by the international peace organization HWPL.
Through this webinar, HWPL brought together members of the local community to discuss methods for national development in Thailand, highlighting the necessity of HWPL peace education for enhancing the global competence of youth, and providing an opportunity to recognize the value of the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)’, an international declaration for peace.
The event, conducted via online Zoom meeting, saw the participation of approximately 14 individuals, including legal professionals, law students, national human rights commission officials, representatives of the Thai Scout Peace Messengers, community leaders, and the HWPL International Law Division. They discussed methods for Thailand’s national development.
Tourism revenue accounts for approximately 6% of Thailand’s total GDP. This percentage has been increasing annually, and when considering the additional benefits generated by the tourism industry, it constitutes about 20.2% of Thailand’s GDP. With the GDP growth rate steadily increasing due to the tourism sector each year, Thailand is actively striving to enhance its national competitiveness through efforts in human resource development.
Andreas Schleicher, an education expert from the United States, emphasized the importance of global competence, stating, “In the 21st century learning environment, skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity are crucial, not just knowledge. The ability for students to understand global issues and respect diverse cultures and perspectives is rapidly becoming essential for future jobs and success.”
Speaking at the ceremony, senior advisor to the Thai government, Jose Trujillo, said, “Thailand, as one of the tourism powerhouses, recognizes that enhancing the global competence of its youth can be a key factor in advancing the nation. Through various collaborations with HWPL, we hope that Thai youth will be able to develop their global competence.”
HWPL, as a peace organization, operates with the principle of “One World,” engaging in activities worldwide and interacting with diverse people and groups in different countries. Therefore, participation in these activities is essential for participants to develop global competence and provides an opportunity for them to cultivate such competence.The event was divided into three parts. In the first part, HWPL introduced global capabilities, and in the second part, it introduced HWPL Peace Education and the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) as a means to enhance the global capabilities of Thai youth.
HWPL Peace Education aims to nurture youth who will take responsibility for the next generation, grow into peace citizens, cultivate the spirit of peace, resolve global security issues, and become leaders who achieve global harmony and peace. Article 10, Clause 38 of the DPCW contains principles and means for achieving sustainable peace, conflict prevention and resolution, and the spread of a culture of peace.
In the third part, examples of HWPL’s peace projects were shared, and participants voted for and shared their impressions on activities suitable for Thailand. Examples of HWPL’s peace activities include peace mural painting in East Timor, HWPL Peace Walk in Mindanao Island, Philippines, Eco-project in the Pattani region of Thailand, and HWPL Peace Education in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Pattida Tachabovat, the representative of the Thai Scouts Peace Messengers, stated, “I believe that HWPL peace walks are suitable activities for Thailand, because they are easy for many people to participate in and provide a way for participants to express their pride and determination for peace.”
Sadit Kumar, representing the Thailand Ramakrishna Vedanta Union, said, the peace project that I consider suitable for Thailand is HWPL Peace Education. I chose peace education because it aims for sustainable development among youth. We need to teach children why peace is necessary for us.”
Following the event, HWPL plans to continue its ongoing collaboration for the development of local communities by conducting peace projects tailored to each region of Thailand, including peace walks, peace education, eco-projects, and similar initiatives, not only in the Bangkok area but also in various regions across Thailand.
