by YFWP-Thailand

Young leaders from 17 Asian and Pacific nations assembled in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 6-9 to forge pathways for peace and prosperity in areas devastated by violent conflict and poverty. The 2009 International Young Leaders Summit, “The Role of Young Leaders in Achieving United Nation Millennium Development Goals and Peace Building in Asia-Pacific,” drew the active participation of leading Thai government leaders and was co-hosted by Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Council.

Delegates arrived in Bangkok from throughout Asia-Pacific region, including Nepal, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, the United States, and Thailand. Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, Vice President of Universal Peace Federation Asia (UPF) and Secretary General of Youth Federation for World Peace Asia (YFWP), served as master of ceremony of opening session.

The summit gives emphasis to the development of a new paradigm for leadership guided by the principles of "living for the sake of others,” which balances both spiritual and secular perspectives. This IYLS was also the chance for youth leaders to commemorate the UN International Youth Day 2009 theme: “Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future.”

The Hon. Apirak Kosayodhin, an advisor of Thai Prime Minister H.E.Abhisit Vijjajiva and former Bangkok Metropolitan Governor, represented the prime minister and gave inspired opening remarks. “How many of you in this room have children?” he asked. “You, the young people are the ones who decide the destiny of our children in the near future.

“The power of young generation is so important for Thai society,” said Kosayodhin, a Young Ambassador for Peace since 2007. “The government led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vijjajiva is giving priority to promoting the participation and leadership of the next generation, who will have an important role in society, especially in ensuring a happy family life. Our government wants to support young people and the family institution in order to build stability in society.”

Kosayodhin also expressed his interest to host the Global Peace Festival-Thailand 2010, cosponsored by YFWP and the UPF, in Bangkok as a popular and inclusive medium to promote peace, unity, and cooperation in Thai society.

Meeting the UN MDGs

UN Millennium Development Goals Campaign representative Ms. Kallayhaphorn Jaruphand then urged delegates to stand together to achieve the eight goals set by the United Nations to address the critical needs of the world’s most vulnerable peoples. UPF-Malaysia Secretary General Dr. Teh Su Thye presented one important model, Malaysia’s Power of 10 Sen, a moving program of giving by Malaysian children to help Palestinian children, which has become the National Campaign of Malaysia.

The “Vision of Peace: One Family Under God” presented by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, President of YFWP and Member of Parliament Nepal; Dr. Micheal Zablanc, President of YFWP, Philippines; and Mr. Abdul Razak from Malaysia, highlighted the accomplishments of the Global Peace Festival 2008 in various major cities in the Philippines last year. The peace-making capacity of the festival encouraged many delegates to support efforts to bring the festival to their own countries.

Delegates also learned about a new project of the Global Peace Festival, the Global Peace Service Alliance, and its visionary objectives to build a Global Peace Corps by enlisting international volunteers to work side by side to address pressing needs in the areas of Peace Building, Poverty Reduction, and Clean Water.

One of the highlights of IYLS was the presentation of Young Ambassador for Peace (YAP) certificates to forty three young leaders. Among them were seven nationally known Thai professionals from many fields who have contributed to the betterment of Thai society. These prominent leaders expressed enthusiasm for the summit agenda and the work of YFWP, which they hope to expand to the national level. In closing the proceedings, Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul called on young people to take ownership of the peace building movement beyond boundaries of ethnicity, class, and religion and invest their energies for peace in Thailand and the world.

A forum for young leaders

“This IYLS can be the inspiration for teenagers and young people to initiate the change for society and Thai nation,” said Ratchata Sriboonrat, the president of Children and Youth Council of Thailand. “I wish to have this kind of event every year in order to be the stage for youth leaders throughout Thailand and internationally to meet, discuss, learn, share experiences. Through this, it will be the way to enhance the power and spirit of new generation to be awaken and to realize the importance of rebuilding of society in peace.”

“This is one of the best youth conferences which I have ever attended in my life,” agreed Arunchat Kuruwanich, the president of Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Council, a partner of the event. “I feel so inspired with the quality of participants, staff, VIPs, speakers and opening address by representative of Prime Minister of Thailand.”

Youth leaders from Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Council and National Children and Youth Council of Thailand said they looked forward to networking with YFWP and to sponsoring Global Peace Festival in Bangkok together.

The IYLS facilitates the collaboration of governments, inter-governmental and faith-based organizations, the private sector, and civil society, bringing together leaders who are committed to racial and religious tolerance. The IYLS is dedicated to creating a world of peace and prosperity, centering on the vision and principles of “One Family Under God.” For more information on the the annual International Young Leaders Summit or on YFWP’s peace building and leadership training activities, contact YFWP-Thailand at 662-718-7766 ext. 330 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .