IDEA Youth forum now being staged

Chirada Na Suwan, the forum director, said: “The forum aims to intellectually stimulate youth participants from more than 20 countries across the Asian continent.”

Under the United Thailand’s leadership, the organising team represented all sectors of Thai society: public, private and educational sectors.

Tanyarack Na Wangkanai, UNITED Thailand’s coordinator, said: “The main objective of AYF 2012 is to empower youths by equipping them with necessary debating, analytical and teamwork skills. The forum aims to nurture cultural understandings and friendship among Asian youths.”

Under this year theme “Crossing Borders: Migration in Asia”, multiple debate workshops are being stage with panel discussions on differing facets of migration in Asia. Invited speakers include several distinguished scholars and practitioners from UNESCO, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNHCR and the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre. 

Professor Thanet Aphornsuwan, an adviser to the project, said “debating skill is an important tool in learning and imparting knowledge. It encourages students to think critically, voice their opinion and work in teams which are essential skills to democratic society, and for preparing Thailand to be a part of an Asean Economic Community.”

For more information on the event, please call 083-1234284 or 081-9817719, or visit www.ide?bate.org/asiayouthforum/index.php.