LocationsWorld International Democracy Day – Meet UNDP Changemakers who drive Sustainable Development in Thailand by ensuring that every voice counts.
September 13, 2024
Each year on September 15th, World International Democracy Day is celebrated globally to recognize and uphold democratic principles and its crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and development. The UNDP is instrumental in supporting democratic governance and sustainable development around the world. For over decades, UNDP has been a key player in promoting democratic values and fostering development through various initiatives. Our work spans several critical areas, including enhancing transparency, strengthening civic engagement, advancing human rights and taking climate action with leave no one behind.
In Thailand, UNDP has three priorities for sustainable development: supporting Thailand’s green transition, developing and strengthening human capital for sustainable development, and ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of equitable development. To achieve these key goals, democratic values and governance serve as the foundation and mechanism for our implementation. To celebrate this year’s theme “Every Voice Counts, meet the UNDP Changemakers driving sustainability in various areas – climate action, disability inclusion, gender equality and inclusive governance—by ensuring that no one is left behind.
Aticha Chaivichian, Partnership and Engagement Analyst
Meet Aticha Chaivichian, Partnership and Engagement Analyst, who drives communities toward a more resilient and sustainable society through inclusive governance.
Meet Aticha, a passionate advocate for change whose journey from Political Science student to a key player at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one of relentless dedication, global collaboration, and a deep-seated belief in the power of inclusive development.
Her educational background focused on political science, with special attention to international relations and development. But her education wasn’t confined to textbooks and lectures. Early in her career, she took on significant roles within the United Nations, gaining hands-on experience in international development and disaster risk reduction. These experiences were more than just career steps—they were the building blocks of her lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change.
One of her first major achievements was leading parliamentary engagement initiatives with the National Assembly of Thailand. She also played a key role in implementing tsunami preparedness programs across schools, drawing from the expertise of countries like Japan to ensure that Thai schools were equipped to handle natural disasters. These experiences set the stage for her current role at UNDP, where she continues to champion sustainable development and community resilience. If you are curious what does her journey looks like and how she managed to thrive each day, read the full article here.
Elena Sentieri, Climate Change Portfolio Manager
Architecture Experience Transformed into Climate Solutions: A Journey in Climate Resilience with Elena Sentieri, Climate Change Portfolio Manager
Elena’s journey began with a passion for architecture, but it soon evolved into something much larger—a commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. As an architect with a passion for Emergency and Resilience, Elena was initially focused on creating structures that could withstand the whims of nature. Yet, as she delved deeper into the world of design, she realized that her true calling extended beyond the confines of buildings.
Elena embarked on a transformative journey in Mozambique and worked with the UN-Habitat Country Office as the Sustainable Human Settlements Coordinator for six years. There, she was immersed in projects that spanned urban resilience, climate policies, and territorial development. From the vibrant streets of Maputo to the rural landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa, she learned that resilience was not just a design principle but a way of life for many communities that leave no one behind. Her journey with UNDP as Climate Portfolio Manager for the GCF project called “Enhancing Climate Resilience in Thailand through Effective Water Management and Sustainable Agriculture” has been deeply fulfilling, allowing her to contribute to crucial climate action initiatives while ensuring climate justice for all.
Read the full article here to learn how Elena’s journey as Climate Change Portfolio Manager with UNDP Thailand looks like.
Jay Suparnee Pongruengphant, Gender Advisor
Empowering Futures: A conversation with Jay Suparnee Pongruengphant, Gender Advisor on how to Shape Global Change & Social Inclusion with UNDP Thailand
Upon graduation, Jay joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stepping into a realm dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. The early years were marked by a focus on combating human trafficking. Jay found himself during anti-slavery initiatives, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable populations and combat modern slavery. The resilience of the communities and the collective impact of UNDP’s national partners left a profound mark on Jay.
In 2015, a new chapter began, focusing on gender issues. This role was a call to action, addressing gender-based inequalities, advocating for LGBTI rights, and championing women’s empowerment. Every day, Jay crafted strategies and engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders—government officials, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The work was driven by a deep commitment to challenging discriminatory practices and creating opportunities for marginalized groups.
Through his role as Gender Advisor, Jay was able to contribute to a more inclusive society by leveraging the UN’s convening power. Engaging in dialogue with key stakeholders and ensuring diverse voices were considered in policy-making processes became central to their mission. Collaborating with partners from various sectors created synergies that advanced inclusive development, directly contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society. If you are feeling inspired by Jay’s story, discover more about the How to shape global change and create strong social inclusion in Thailand through a full article here.
Nichakarn Kaveevorayan, Disability Inclusion Associate
Breaking Barriers: Khim Nichakarn’s Journey to Disability Inclusion as Disability Advisor
Khim’s story began in a world filled with challenges. As a person with visual impairment, she encountered a range of obstacles—from inaccessible learning materials to educational systems that failed to embrace inclusivity. Yet, her determination and the unwavering support of her family and teachers allowed her to surmount these barriers. This personal experience became the driving force behind her dedication to disability advocacy.
Khim’s educational journey includes a strong foundation in linguistics and education, which she leveraged to address the specific barriers that women with disabilities face. After completing her master's degree, Khim interned at the Social Innovation Foundation, where she gained invaluable insights into the struggles faced by people with disabilities in Thailand. Her experiences there, working alongside colleagues with diverse disabilities, deepened her resolve to make a broader impact. It was this commitment that led her to her current role as the Disability Focal Person at UNDP Thailand.
At UNDP, Khim spearheads initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive society. Her work includes formulating the Disability Inclusive Development Strategy for Thailand and leading projects like the “We Are Able” initiative, which focuses on enhancing employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. Despite the challenges posed by societal stigma and outdated perceptions, Khim remains steadfast in her mission to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Khim’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a commitment to inclusivity, we can break barriers and build a world where everyone is valued and empowered. Read her full journey here.
Nattawut Worakhanta, Partnership and Engagement Coordinator
Championing Justice: Nattawut 's Path to Inclusive Governance with UNDP Thailand
Nattawut Worakhanta always had a passion for justice, deeply rooted in his desire to address systemic inequalities. With an advanced degree in law, his professional path began with the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), where he worked as a Project Coordinator in the Women and Children in Criminal Justice Programme. Before his time with the TIJ, his journey also took him to the Office of International Affairs, where he served as a Foreign Relations Officer, Office of the Judiciary, where his role focus on providing interpretation services to victims, defendants, and witnesses, and organizing trainings for court interpreters, honing his ability to listen, understand, and advocate for people within the justice system.
Nattawut’s dedication to creating a more just world naturally led him to UNDP Thailand, where his mission expanded to encompass sustainable development and inclusive governance. He was inspired by UNDP’s global movement to leave no one behind and its work on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly its focus on fairness and justice. Through his work with the judicial sector, his work contributes significantly to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. One of the biggest achievements during his time with UNDP is “Justice by Design”, a project to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups. His advocacy promotes governance practices that are transparent, accountable, and equitable. By collaborating with the judiciary, he champions the inclusion of vulnerable populations and ensures the legal system becomes more accessible and responsive to their needs. Learn more about Natthawut’s justice design journey from the full article here.
Among these individuals are the UNDP champions who are making significant contributions to progress democratic values and sustainable development in Thailand.
If you would like to be a part of UNDP’s changemaker and would like to join a life-changing mission with UNDP, visit https://www.undp.org/careers for more information and follow us on our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, to stay tuned for the latest updates and insights from UNDP Thailand.