Youth group wins kudos from world economic forum

The Thai Youth Anti-Corruption Network, a group of more than 4,000 students from more than 90 universities, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a “Creative for Good” best practice.

The student-led group was created a year ago in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Khon Kaen University’s College of Local Administration, beginning with just 36 students from 15 Thai universities.

The WEF began the idea with the objective of helping smaller non-governmental organisations create their own public-service campaigns. “Creative for Good” gives organisations access to a range of successful campaigns from different regions, along with a user-friendly “how-to” guide. The initiative also shares insights on success factors and connects users to the campaign sponsors and creators.

Campaign submissions are vetted by an advisory committee made up of 17 media, communications and social marketing executives.

“Communication and public relations, can and should be, a force for positive change, and we are delighted to be a part of this important new initiative in support of the World Economic Forum’s mission to improve the state of the world,” said David Gallagher, senior partner and chief executive officer of PR firm Ketchum’s European operations.

Kwanpadh Suddhi-Dhamakit, programme analyst with the UNDP in Thailand, said: “We went into this blind. Many students weren’t politically active or spending much of their time on campus talking about corruption issues, but we’ve been impressed with their level of awareness. 

“The success of this campaign is a direct result of their effort and energy.”

The UNDP held anti-corruption camps across the country to educate student leaders about the dangers of corruption in Thai society and to promote responsible citizenship and civic knowledge.

Last year, on International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9), 2,000 students rallied at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The rally was also a signal to the public that every sector in Thailand is now actively engaged in fighting corruption.

The “Creative for Good” platform was created by the WEF, in collaboration with the US non-profit Ad Council and global public relations firm Ketchum, as an online resource for case studies of effective public education campaigns. It brings together more than 60 campaigns from around the world on social issues such as education, health and environment.

The UNDP aims to continue its anti-corruption efforts at the university level, creating a strong campus activist organisations with permanent ties to universities, academics, journalists, and civil-society organisations.

A recent Abac poll reported that a majority (63.4 per cent) of Thais hold the view that corruption in government is acceptable as long as they also benefit from it. A majority of young people under 20 now hold the same attitude.