“Youth In Charge” platform by IN THE LEAD (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd. teamed up with partners in the public and private sectors, relevant agencies and stakeholders, and a network of education institutions to launch “Youth APEC: Amplify Your Voices, Amplify Your Ideas, Amplify Your Impact” project. The project is aimed at providing Thai youths from across the regions in the country with opportunities to share their ideas and solutions for balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth their communities through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic development model, Thailand’s national agenda and one of the main topics of discussion for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.”

Erica Maesincee, co-founder of Youth In Charge and CEO of IN THE LEAD (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd., said “In 2022, Thailand is due to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. “Youth In Charge” as a youth empowerment and leadership development platform considers that this is an opportune time to showcase youths as BCG Key Drivers and to highlight the relevance of the BCG economic model in various biological and cultural contexts. We hope to create an ideation space for youths from across the regions in Thailand to play a leading role in driving sustainable change in their hometowns and communities. In preparation for Youth In Charge’s inclusive youth engagement activities during May – July 2022, we hosted “Youth APEC BCG Symposium” this morning.”

“Youth APEC BCG Symposium” featured a thought-provoking workshop, where participants shared their views, knowledge and understanding regarding the adoption of the BCG economic model. The symposium also allowed participants to share case studies and key challenges related to area-based collaboration and development. There was also a joint discussion to connect and find common ground, as well as solutions to promote youth engagement and participation. Public organizations that participated in the symposium were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Committee, the National Research Council of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) and the Regional Science Park Network under the Science Park Promotion Agency in five regions, comprising the Northern Science Park at Chiang Mai University, the Northeastern Science Park at Khon Kaen University, the Lower Northeastern Science Park at Suranaree University of Technology, the Eastern Science Park at Burapha University, and the Southern Science Park at Prince of Songkla University. Meanwhile, private organizations that joined the symposium were the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the Federation of Thai Industries, Bangchak, Betagro, C ASEAN Center, SCG, Siam Kubota, and Youth Can Do network. In addition, a fun, interactive BCG workshop was concurrently held with “Future Changers” from Youth In Charge Leadership Academy. Rising stars in the public sector from the Public Service Executive Development Program also took part in the workshop as mentors for the Future Changers.

Moving forward, all Thai youths participating in Youth In Charge’s Regional Youth Symposiums will get to develop a better understanding of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. Younger generations will get to share their views, brainstorm to find solutions for key challenges, and presenting inspiring ideas to optimize the BCG development model in multiple sectors, such as food and agriculture, medical and wellness, tourism, creative economy, circular economy, and green economy.

In addition, Youth In Charge signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and the science park network under the Science Park Promotion Agency. These organizations will be the co-hosts of aforementioned “Regional Youth Symposiums”. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, presided over the MOU signing ceremony.

“We stand by the opportunity for youths to have meaningful spaces and opportunities to share their views until their ideas are translated into action and taken seriously or even adopted by partner agencies and organizations. We believe that youths’ voices can send ripple effects that can lead to new ideas and solutions that adult generations might have previously overlooked.”

Erica concluded “Youth empowerment to us should be inclusive. Regional Youth Symposiums organized in each region presents a good opportunity for youths from all walks of life, with diverse interests, to play a leading role in transforming or moving the country forward in various dimensions of national development. Young people will carry a sense of ownership and agency throughout their lives, both as engaged citizens and the next generation of leaders.”

For more information about Youth APEC, visit www.youthincharge.net or Youth In Charge: www.facebook.com/YouthInChargeThailand