Bansomdejchaophraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) has reinforced its role as a neutral platform and ‘safe’ space where diverse perspectives on sustainability and cultural issues can be openly discussed. Through initiatives such as the “Youth Voices for Sustainability” project and the “Mini Conference: ASEAN+3 Cultural Learning through Daily Life,” BSRU has created spaces that encourage students from various Southeast Asian countries to engage in frank discussions on complex challenges. These programs prioritize an inclusive atmosphere, transcending political and cultural boundaries to foster mutual understanding. By bringing together students as stakeholders in these conversations, BSRU promotes open dialogue that addresses pressing sustainability and development concerns in an impartial, collaborative setting.
1.Youth Voices for Sustainability
On April 27, 2023, Bansomdejchaophraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) joined an international collaboration through the “Youth Voices for Sustainability” initiative, a project aimed at creating a neutral platform for open, honest discussions on sustainability issues among students from diverse nations. This event brought together voices from across Southeast Asia, providing a ‘safe’ space where participants could openly share perspectives on sustainability within their countries and universities, fostering mutual understanding beyond political or cultural divides.
As a part of BSRU’s SDG Week event, this event was hosted online via Zoom and inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Houngphet Chanthavong, President of the National University of Laos. The event underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue on global challenges and promoted skill development in communication and language among students and concluded with a voting process recognizing outstanding student presentations. The top presenters included Danica Louise Arellano and Shereen Fortus from Lipa City Colleges (first place), Srey Teav Vann from Phnom Penh International University (second place), and Ms. Napasorn Thanatithiphuang from BSRU (third place). This initiative reflects BSRU’s commitment to facilitating neutral, constructive conversations on sustainability that transcend borders and political boundaries.
Lipa City Colleges
Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar
National University of Laos
Phnom Penh International University
VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
2.Diversity in One Community for Sustainable Development- Mini Conference
On March 14, 2023, the ASEAN+3 Youth Camp Committee underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and cross-cultural understanding through the “Mini Conference: ASEAN+3 Cultural Learning through Daily Life.” This event served as a neutral platform for exploring the rich diversity within the ASEAN+3 community, gathering students from nine countries and ten universities to present highlights of each culture under the theme “Diversity in One Community for Sustainable Development.”
Held at the 4th-floor auditorium of Bansomdejchaophraya Rajabhat University, the conference offered participants an academic space to engage in open dialogue, fostering appreciation of each nation’s unique cultural contributions. Organized by the Office of International Affairs and ASEAN Networks, the event emphasized a shared commitment to sustainable development through cultural understanding. Participating students received online certificates, while faculty received certificates in arts and culture, further acknowledging their engagement in promoting cross-cultural learning.
