Thailand Showcases Information Development Initiatives at UNESCO's IFAP Meeting in Paris - Faith & Freedom News

Thai delegation highlights national efforts to promote equitable access to information and knowledge at prestigious UNESCO forum

PARIS, April 25, 2025 – Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to information accessibility and digital inclusion during the recent Information for All Programme (IFAP) meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The high-level meeting, which took place on April 23-24, 2025, brought together international stakeholders dedicated to creating more equitable information societies worldwide.

Thai Delegation Leads Information Development Discussions

Mrs. Sudruetai Lertkasem, Director-General of Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department (PRD), headed the Thai delegation, which included prominent media professional Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn and Mrs. Nutthanun Rajanakorn, Executive Director of the Foreign Office. The delegation presented Thailand’s comprehensive efforts to foster equitable societies through universal access to information and knowledge—key pillars for sustainable development in the digital age.

“Thailand recognizes that information accessibility is not just a technological issue but a fundamental human right essential for sustainable development,” explained Mrs. Lertkasem during the country’s presentation. “Our initiatives aim to ensure no one is left behind in the information society.”

IFAP Meeting Focuses on Six Priority Areas

The two-day meeting was officially opened by Mr. Tawfik Jelassi, representing UNESCO’s Communication and Information Commission. The forum served as a vital platform for exchanging innovative ideas, practical guidelines, and successful case studies across IFAP’s six strategic priority areas:

Information for development
Promotion of information ethics
Information literacy
Information preservation
Accessibility
Multilingualism

These priority areas align with UNESCO’s broader mission to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture.

Thailand Reiterates Commitment to Global Information Development

During the proceedings, Thailand emphasized its ongoing role as an active member state committed to information development and accessibility for all population segments. The delegation highlighted several national initiatives that demonstrate Thailand’s dedication to creating an inclusive information society.

“We believe that collaborative international efforts are essential for making positive global changes in information accessibility,” noted Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, addressing the international audience. “Thailand is proud to contribute to this shared vision of an informed and empowered global community.”

UNESCO Leadership Recognizes Thailand’s Media Literacy Efforts

In a significant bilateral meeting, Mrs. Sudruetai engaged in productive discussions with Mr. Guilherme Canela, Director for Digital Inclusion, Policy, and Transformation Division of UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector and the IFAP Secretary.

Mr. Canela specifically commended Thailand for its successful initiatives in promoting media and information literacy among Thai citizens. He also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s continuous support for the Information for All Programme, recognizing the country as a valuable partner in advancing UNESCO’s information accessibility agenda.

Thailand to Host Strategic AIBD Conference in August 2025

The Thai delegation also announced that Thailand will host the upcoming Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference in August 2025 in Phuket Province. This prestigious regional event will provide a strategic platform for media organizations throughout the Asia-Pacific region to recognize and amplify awareness of IFAP’s crucial role in advancing information accessibility.

“The AIBD Conference in Phuket will be an exceptional opportunity to showcase how information can benefit all people and create more equitable societies,” Mrs. Lertkasem stated. “We look forward to welcoming our regional partners to Thailand for this important dialogue.”

Looking Forward: Thailand’s Vision for Information Society

As digital transformation accelerates globally, Thailand’s participation in the IFAP meeting demonstrates the country’s forward-thinking approach to information policy and digital inclusion. By actively engaging in international forums like IFAP, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader in promoting accessible, ethical, and inclusive information societies.

The knowledge and best practices exchanged during the Paris meeting will inform Thailand’s ongoing efforts to implement effective information policies that support national development goals while contributing to global progress in digital inclusion and information accessibility.

For more information about Thailand’s initiatives in information development or the upcoming AIBD General Conference in Phuket, please contact the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand.