Bangkok, 21 June 2019 - UNICEF Thailand has launched the “UNICEF NextGen Thailand” project, uniting young social leaders dedicated to creating sustainable change in the lives of children in Thailand and around the world.

UNICEF NextGen is a project initiated by UNICEF, already implemented in several countries, that mobilizes young leaders aged 20-30 from various roles, such as social leaders, thought influencers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are committed to using their knowledge, skills, and resources to support UNICEF's work in helping and transforming the lives of children in society.

In Thailand, UNICEF NextGen Thailand is led by a committee known as UNICEF NextGen Champions, consisting of the first nine members: Ton-Noppol Techapanngam, Nub-Chananda Thaveesin, Pim-Nattapree Pichaironnarong, Pitta Na Phatthalung, Manow-Sorasit Maneewan, Pleng-Phatthaporn Siboonruang (Kawita Jinda Wat), Richard-Rasaek Rattanathananukul, Aida Jirapaithakool, and Yim-Sasiwimon Petchnasin. They will mobilize their networks to help UNICEF raise awareness about children's issues through innovative methods and conduct activities for children, including vision exchanges, child rights campaigns, and inspiring children and youth in society.

Mr. Thomas Davin, UNICEF Thailand Representative, stated, “The NextGen project comes at a time when children and youth in Thailand are facing new challenges and issues. We need to find new ways to address these problems, which are obstacles to the development of children's potential, especially for migrant children. To achieve our goals for children, no one can do it alone, whether it be the government, non-profit organizations, UNICEF, or any single entity. We must collaborate with various groups, including social leaders, thought influencers, and networks of young people like the UNICEF NextGen group, who are committed and capable of mobilizing support from their networks to amplify children's voices and help us find new, creative ways to create real change.”

According to the International Labour Organization's 2017 labor statistics, approximately 15% of youth aged 15-24 years (about 1.3 million people) in Thailand are not in the education system, not working, and not receiving any skills training. Two-thirds of these youth are female. Without urgent investment in education or skills training, millions will not be prepared and will become unskilled labor in the future, posing obstacles to Thailand's progress and stability.

Over 200 celebrities, businesspeople, and young social leaders attended the launch event of the UNICEF NextGen Thailand project at Siri House, Bangkok. The UNICEF NextGen project is a new global initiative by UNICEF that brings together young leaders to help address the challenges faced by disadvantaged children and youth worldwide. For Thailand, Ton-Noppol Techapanngam, one of the executive committee members of the UNICEF NextGen Thailand project, stated that the project's goal is to raise 7.5 million baht over the next year to support skills development and enhance vocational training opportunities for migrant youth, enabling them to grow into vital contributors to future economic development. The funds raised will also support the Youth Challenge activities aimed at empowering disadvantaged children and youth in the country to participate in solving the issues around them.

Previously, the NextGen project abroad has garnered significant interest from young people. It was first launched in the United States, where the NextGen group there has mobilized networks and used the funds raised to support 17 projects aimed at saving children worldwide. Additionally, the NextGen project has expanded its operations to the UK, Sweden, Italy, Vietnam, and most recently, Thailand.

Ms. Chananda Thaveesin, one of the champions of UNICEF NextGen, expressed her excitement about being part of the UNICEF NextGen Thailand project, working alongside members with similar interests and goals. She added, “While this year the world is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, many children still face numerous challenges that hinder their development. I personally believe that our voices as NextGen members, filled with commitment and creativity, will contribute to making a positive change for every child in Thailand and other countries.”

“These nine UNICEF NextGen Champions will be able to mobilize the networks of over 200 attendees here to work together for children, aiming to encourage more young people who are determined to improve children's lives to become champions, superheroes, and heroes. Today's event is just the first milestone on the long journey we will work together. UNICEF is excited about the upcoming activities, and we hope to see many more young people interested in collaborating to find new solutions to improve the quality of life for thousands of children,” Mr. Davin concluded.

Thank you for the information from www.unicef.org