Text adapted from the original Press release by Supavadee Pink Chotikajan, UN Thailand
Since the launch of the 2013 MY World campaign entitled “Mark a Difference,” over 70,000 people in Thailand have participated in MY World survey. Thailand is among the top 10 countries with the most votes collected in the MY World Survey. This is a result of the strong partnerships between the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and 60 other agencies in Thailand to promote the MY World.
The “Have Your Say at the United Nations” campaign in Thailand builds on the success of last year. Its official publicity launch was co-hosted by the UN and Procter & Gamble Thailand Ltd. on 15 July at Esplanade Ratchada, Bangkok. The event was opened by a beautiful performance by Satit Prasarnmit School singing to the song “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson and “Happy” by Pharell Williams.
Acknowledging the importance of Thais’ voices, the UN selected Thailand to be one of the 20 countries to launch the “Have Your Say at the United Nations” campaign. For the first time, this campaign brought the MY World Podiumto Thailand. Signed by Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, the Podium is travelling the world to gather people’s opinions on issues that are most important to them and their families. “The Podium signifies that the UN will always reach out to hear your voices no matter where you are,” stated Mr. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand.
As an important partner of the UN in Thailand, P&G has cooperated closely with the UN in the two campaigns to promote MY World survey. “I’m thanking the United Nations for letting P&G be a part of this world-changing beginning. Today, under the “Have Your Say at the United Nations” campaign, we are closer to the goal in improving the life quality of the world’s citizens,” Mr. Raul Falcon, Managing Director of P&G Thailand said.
The launch itself drew in approximately 100 votes on paper ballots. Prior to the launch, MY World event at Satit Prasarnmit School was held to educate them about MY World. More than 2,000 students voted.
The UNCT’s focus for MYWorld Campaign in 2014 is to disseminate the results the MYWorld survey and make sure that more Thai voices are being heard. The results of the MyWorld in 2013 by Dhurajik Pundit University International College (DPUIC) are succinctly captured through a short animated clip at http://th.on.un.org. Thai voters’ top priorities are “A good education”, “An honest and responsive government,” and “Better healthcare”.
A panel discussion among important personalities in Thai society to share their views on priorities for Thailand, included Ms. Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand, M.D. Director-General of Central Institute of Forensic Science, expressed her concern on the increase of violence and crime, especially domestic violence within the household, which are often unreported. Another panelists, such Ms. ML Preyapan Sritawat, former senator and Mr. Ruj-Suparuj Techaton, Star singer, both thanked the UN and P&G for an initiative that is truly beneficial for all Thai people and society.
Student Representatives from Mahidol University, Dhurajik Pundit University International College, and Satit Prasarnmit School, also got a chance to explain their top choice at the MyWorld podium.
“The impact of climate change causes severe weather fluctuations” said one student, bringing attention to why action on climate change should be chosen as a priority. Another student voted for “Better job opportunities due to the increasing number of new graduates each year more than available jobs.”
The launch ended with a mini-concert by Ruj and other Star singers, included Dew-Arunpong Chaiwinit, Tum-Suthon Busamsai and CeeDee-Kanthee Pitithan encouraging more Thai people to take part in the MYWorld Survey.
For more information:
- See the MY World results for Thailand
- See more information about Thailand on the World We Want 2015
- See more photos from the launch on UN Thailand’s Facebook page: [1] [2]
- Follow UN Thailand on Twitter
