Representatives from Mahidol University International College Model United Nations Club (MUICMUN) recently participated in an enriching meeting with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The gathering on February 16, 2024  saw MUN Club delegates join fellow Thai youth representatives in a dynamic exchange centered on the topic of “Young People & Future of Sustainability.”

At this event, MUN members from seven universities attended, including Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, Mae Fah Luang University, Kasetsart University, Chiang Mai University, Rangsit University, and MUIC along with Thailand ECOSOC Youth Delegate 2023, UNGA78 Youth Delegate, and UN Thailand Youth Advisor & COP28 Speaker.

MUICMUN sent a total of eight student delegates to this event, composed of Mr. Intaj Suwannaporn, Ms. Sopitnapa Sakkakit, Mr. Apiwich Yuckphan, Mr. Jiratt Pluemthanom, Ms. Pimnipa Praphanwong, Ms. Thamika Rungnirundonkul, Ms. Sinanpat Itthipeeyakorn, and Ms. Solatthika Roypromma.

The event started with the keynote address by the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, who shared his perspectives on the critical role of youth in shaping the sustainable development agenda. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Paullier underscored the urgency of empowering young people as catalysts for positive change, addressing the pressing environmental challenges, and advancing sustainability goals on a global scale.

Following the keynote address, participants from various universities engaged in an interactive discussion and Q&A session led by the Thai youth representatives and Dr. Paullier. MUICMUN delegates, alongside fellow youth representatives, actively contributed to the discussion, asking thought-provoking questions and suggesting innovative solutions to the topic “Young People & Future of Sustainability.”

Reflecting on the event, the meeting has led to the reinforcement of the importance of youth empowerment in driving sustainability efforts and inspired the MUICMUN members to increase their collective commitment to continue collaborating on youth-driven sustainability initiatives, creating a more sustainable world, and amplifying the voices of young people on the global scale.