On 18-19 November 2023, the first "Youth-Centred Future Lab: Empowering Youth Through Judicial Engagement", organised by UNDP in collaboration with the Asian Law Students' Association (ALSA) and Chulalongkorn University, convened students representing four universities in Thailand to engage and explore creative solutions for real-life challenges in the legal field and developed concrete proposals for improving access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Hosted at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, the event, supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State and facilitated by the UNDP Judicial Integrity Network (JIN ASEAN), adopted a "problem-approach-solution" methodology, aiming to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of challenges in the legal sphere while inspiring them to leverage their knowledge.

The two-day workshop delved into a wide range of challenges, encompassing air pollution, freedom of assembly, and access to justice. The participants explored potential solutions to these pressing issues under the guidance of judges, lawyers, professors, legal practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors, including:

• Judge Kamonchanok Katinasamit, Office of the President of the Supreme Court of Thailand

• Prof. Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn, Professor Emeritus, UN Special Rapporteur

• Ms. Nadthasiri Bergman, Chair of Thailand’s Human Rights Lawyer Association

• Dr. Mark Charoenwong, Provincial Public Prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney General of Thailand

• Dr. Pat Niyomsilp, Chulalongkorn University 

• Mr. Santi Siritheerajesd, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF

• Ms. Thanyaporn Khunnathumpong, Thailand Institute of Justice

• Ms. Natchaya Pichetsatha, Policy Advisor, GIZ

• Ms. Alliya Moun-ob, Greenpeace Southeast Asia

Students engaged in breakout sessions, a future-thinking workshop with the Thailand Institute of Justice, and presentations with stakeholders in the justice sector. The dynamic exchange of perspectives and experiences enriched the learning environment. It established an inclusive space for dialogue to exchange ideas and develop concrete proposals for improving inclusive justice, which could beneficially impact the overall well-being of communities. 

In alignment with the UN Youth Strategy 2030, the Youth-Centred Future Lab encouraged and celebrated the role of youth in identifying their needs and advancing their rights, enhancing their contributions to increase awareness of the challenges and opportunities of access to justice for vulnerable groups to leave no one behind.

Watch the students' presentations.

Browse photos from the workshop here.