LocationsMeet 5 Innovators of the 3 Labs of UNDP
July 17, 2024
In an era marked by rapid change and complex global challenges, social innovation has emerged as a crucial force for addressing societal issues and fostering human well-being. Defined as the development and implementation of novel ideas, strategies, and projects, social innovation seeks to improve existing systems and create sustainable solutions that are both effective and equitable. This transformative approach transcends traditional boundaries, involving a diverse array of actors from non-profits, businesses, and government organizations, all working collaboratively to tackle pressing problems.
At UNDP, social innovation is about rethinking and co-creating solutions that promote social equity, enhance community resilience, and drive inclusive growth. By targeting the root causes of social issues rather than merely addressing their symptoms, social innovation has the potential to create lasting positive impacts and inspire a wave of transformative change across communities and societies worldwide.
In Thailand, UNDP introduces three social innovation and policy labs – the UNDP Accelerator Lab, Thailand Policy Lab, and Youth Co:Lab – where the team works closely with all stakeholders to co-create diverse and responsive solutions to tackle today’s challenges.
UNDP Accelerator Lab (Acc Lab) - part of UNDP’s global network operating in 90 locations and supporting 115 countries, aims to drive change through portfolio thinking and various grassroots innovations. In 2022 and 2023, these innovations addressed development challenges like air pollution, waste management, and illegal wildlife trade. They also resulted in sustainable tourism solutions, necessitating local catalysts to foster change.
Thailand Policy Lab (TPLab) - Thailand Policy Lab (TPLab) is an initiative established by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the UNDP. Its mission is to rethink and revolutionize public policymaking in Thailand using a systemic, people-centered, and forward-looking approach. TPLab collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including government entities and local partners, to create inclusive, innovative, and future-oriented policies through the use of policy innovation tools. The lab aims to achieve significant national policy outcomes such as Inclusive Universal Healthcare Coverage, Mental Health Policy for Youth by Youth, and National Population Planning.
While, Youth Co:Lab - empowers young people to co-create solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through social innovation and entrepreneurial approaches. It enhances these solutions by promoting intergenerational dialogue and involving youth in governmental decision-making processes on issues that affect multiple generations, such as climate change and social cohesion, as well as community revitalization.
Although their positions and strategies vary, the sharing of knowledge on innovation tools among these three innovation labs has led to the development of tools customized for different contexts and purposes. These three Labs act as a central hub for innovation in UNDP's development work, offering tools that help projects and stakeholders think systemically and creatively, with a forward-looking, people-focused approach.
In this edition of Faces of UNDP Thailand, we asked team members from the three innovation labs to share their career journeys, hoping to inspire many readers who are passionate about driving innovation for change.
Nitchakan Daramatat, Youth and Social Innovation Officer, UNDP Youth Co:Lab.
Engaging with Youth for Social Innovation: Meet Nitchakan Daramatat, Youth and Engagement Analyst of UNDP Youth Co:Lab.
Nitchakan Daramatat, also known as Kadae, is a dedicated Youth Engagement and Social Innovation Analyst at UNDP Thailand. With a master’s degree in contemplative education from Mahidol University and a bachelor’s degree in communication arts (Film) from Bangkok University, Kadae brings a unique blend of educational and professional experiences to her role.
Her journey with UNDP Thailand began in 2017 when she managed an international youth program focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partnering with UNDP. This experience ignited her passion for youth empowerment and led her to contribute to the design and implementation of Youth Co:Lab, the UNDP’s regional programme aimed at fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship among youth across Asia and the Pacific region.
In her current role, Kadae oversees the youth portfolio at UNDP Thailand, having created the UNDP Thailand Youth Strategy in 2020. She collaborates with various teams to engage youth in diverse projects, ranging from innovation to environmental conservation. Her work extends beyond youth-focused activities, promoting intergenerational collaboration and inclusivity.
One of her most cherished moments at UNDP Thailand was working on the Local Heroes incubation program, which empowers local youth in Maehongson, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat to tackle community challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative highlighted the importance of localizing incubation programs to bridge gaps between urban and provincial youth.
Kadae is passionate about using empathy tools, such as journey maps, to facilitate inclusive innovation. These tools help capture the experiences and perspectives of various stakeholders, fostering meaningful dialogues and identifying gaps in services and policies. Learn more about Kadae and her journey to empower youth from the full article here.
Pattamon Rungchavalnont, Head of Solution Mapping, UNDP Accelerator Lab Thailand.
Navigating and Tackling Complex Development Challenges with Homegrown Solutions: On-the-Ground Experience with UNDP Accelerator Lab Thailand’s Head of Solutions Mapping – Pattamon Rungchavalnont
Meet Pattamon Rungchavalnont , an accomplished development professional with a passion for transformative solutions. With a master’s degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Oxford and a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Mahidol University International College, Pattamon brings a wealth of academic and practical experience to their role. Pattamon’s career spans various significant roles, including Director of Operations at the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, lecturer at Mahidol University International College, and International Relations Coordinator at ThaiPBS.
Since 2021, Pattamon has been serving as the Head of Solutions Mapping at UNDP Accelerator Lab Thailand. This role allows Pattamon to apply human-centered innovation approaches to address complex global development challenges. The Accelerator Lab is UNDP’s strategic initiative aimed at creating and scaling innovative solutions to pressing issues such as sustainable tourism and air pollution. Pattamon leads efforts to engage multisectoral stakeholders and co-create solutions that are both innovative and impactful.
One standout moment was working with TK Park to empower local innovation incubators, where Pattamon witnessed the impressive dedication of local teams. Another memorable experience involved a project in Sukhothai Old Town, where Pattamon and the community developed an inclusive activity for the blind.
Explore more about the solutions mapping – Pattamon’s favourite innovation tool in a full article here.
Natthaphon Rathie, Head of Experimentation, UNDP Accelerator Lab Thailand
Innovating Solutions for Development: Insights from UNDP Accelerator Lab Thailand’s Head of Experimentation – Natthaphon Rathie
With a robust seven-year background in managing development projects and fostering innovation, Natthaphon Rathie’s journey has been shaped by a foundation in economics and business management. This blend of systematic and creative problem-solving led him to a unique role at UNDP Thailand as “Head of Experimentation” with the UNDP Accelerator lab in Thailand.
As a Head of Experimentation and Digital Advocate, he relies on digital technology to generate insightful data and transform into an innovative strategy which led to many meaningful works with the local community and especially the persons with disability community in Thailand.
One of the most powerful tools he uses is the "How might we...?" question from the design thinking framework. This tool encourages unconventional thinking, helping to redefine challenges and explore creative solutions, such as ensuring children receive adequate nutrition regardless of parental knowledge.
If you are curious about what is it like to work as an innovator for UNDP, read the full article of Nutthaphon here.
Parppim Pimmaratana, Policy Innovation Knowledge Management Specialist, Thailand Policy Lab
Designing for Social Good: An Inside Look at Parppim’s Role as Knowledge Management Analyst for Thailand Policy Lab, UNDP
Parppim’s journey exemplifies the power of combining design and policy for social innovation. At the Thailand Policy (TP) Lab, Parppim is at the forefront of transforming public policy through creative and human-centric approaches, demonstrating that a career in development can be both fulfilling and impactful.
Parppim’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. This foundation was built upon a Master’s in Design for Social Innovation from the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she delved into grassroots innovations. Following graduation, Parppim worked at UNICEF NYHQ, where the intersection of design and social development became a focal point. This experience not only deepened their understanding of how design can support social initiatives but also sparked an interest in policy development, leading to a subsequent Master’s degree in International Development.
The decision to join the Thailand Policy Lab was driven by her desire to work in a space where design and innovation are at the heart of public policy. The Thailand Policy (TP) Lab represents a dream environment where her background in design and social innovation can thrive. At TP Lab, Parppim focuses on transforming grassroots innovations into effective policy solutions and engaging in a human-centric approach to public policy.
This position at UNDP Thailand offers Parppim a platform to develop skills and experiences that are invaluable for a career in international development. By working on innovative policy solutions, she is building a foundation for future roles within the UN or similar organizations. Explore more about Parppim’s journey with the Thailand Policy Lab from the full article here.
Tiffany Chen, Policy Experimentation Analyst, Thailand Policy Lab
From TV Host to Policy Innovator: Meet Tiffany Chen – Policy Experimentation Analyst for Thailand Policy Lab, UNDP
Tiffany’s journey to UNDP Thailand was fueled by a lifelong aspiration to work with international organizations dedicated to human and societal development. Her early career was marked by engagements in various development projects, but she yearned for a role where the impact would be sustainable and transformative.
Tiffany Chen’s academic and professional background is as diverse as it is impressive. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, followed by a Master’s Degree in International Business from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Her academic achievements set the stage for a dynamic career focused on people development and policy innovation.
Before joining UNDP Thailand, Tiffany honed her skills in various roles that spanned people development, human resources, and project management. She served as Head of People and Learning & Development Manager at Virgin Active Thailand, and as Business Development Manager and Operational Manager at Nikkei Business Lab Asia. Her career also includes experiences as a lecturer, event organizer, and TV host, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to fostering growth and learning.
One of Tiffany’s notable achievements was being a champion in the nationally televised competition “Fan Pan Tae – US Presidents” in 2012. Her diverse experiences reflect her dedication to improving lives through education, development, and strategic initiatives.
Joining the Thailand Policy Lab at UNDP Thailand was a dream come true for Tiffany. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a UN organization,” she shares. “My goal has been to work in an environment where the effects of our efforts are enduring and where communities can sustain and build upon the innovations we introduce.”
With a heart full of enthusiasm and a mind brimming with innovative ideas, Tiffany Chen embodies the spirit of UNDP Thailand’s mission. Her story is a beacon of hope for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world. If you would like to know more about Tiffany, read the full article here.
(First row, from left to right) Nitchakan Daramatat, Youth and Social Innovation Officer, UNDP Youth Co:Lab and PattamonRungchavalnont, Head of Solution Mapping, UNDP Accelerator Lab. (Second row, from left to right) Tiffany Chen, Policy Experimentation Analyst, Thailand Policy Lab, Nutthapon Rathie, Head of Experimentation, UNDP Accelerator Lab and Parppim Pimmaratana, Policy Innovation Knowledge Management Specialist, Thailand Policy Lab.
If you would like to be a part of UNDP’s innovators 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.