Thailand hosted an HRC-53 side event on “Experience-Sharing on the Promotion of the Right to Education for All”

On 6 July 2023, the Permanent Mission of Thailand to United Nations in Geneva, organized an event on “Experience-Sharing on the Promotion of the Right to Education for All” on the sidelines of the 53^rd session of the Human Rights Council.  The event was held in commemoration of the centenary of the birth of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, who was honored as UNESCO Eminent Personality of the World for her contributions to culture and learning.

Panelists included Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow, former President of the HRC (2010-2011); Ms. Duriya Amatavivat, former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education of Thailand; Mr. Yao Ydo, Director of UNESCO International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE) in Geneva; and Mr. Ignasi Grau Callizo, General Director, International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education (OIDEL). The event was moderated by Mr. Pradeep Wagle, Chief of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section, OHCHR.

The international community is falling behind on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) – quality education.  Furthermore, digital disruption, in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), could further widen education inequalities.  Those left behind could be vulnerable to, among others, violent extremism.  In this regard, learning in the digital age must go beyond traditional pedagogy and cultivate the values of peace, coexistence, tolerance, and human rights.  Education must be used as a tool to realize the 3-Ps of human rights: promotion, protection, and prevention.  Moreover, all stakeholders must join hands and adopt a system-wide approach to upgrade the existing education system to ensure its relevancy in today’s global context and meaningful to all members of society.