Chiang Mai University (CMU) has established strategic partnerships with various non-governmental organizations to advance sustainable development initiatives, contributing significantly to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These collaborations demonstrate CMU’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and knowledge sharing for sustainable development. The following highlights key collaborative activities conducted in 2024.
Norwegian People’s Aid Partnership for Social Justice
On October 31, 2024, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Chiang Mai University formalized a collaboration with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), a humanitarian organization operating in over 30 countries. As documented on the Faculty’s official website, this partnership focuses on promoting human rights, democracy, and social justice initiatives. The collaboration was established through a signing ceremony at the Faculty of Social Sciences, CMU, attended by Associate Professor Dr. Wasant Panyakaew, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ms. Carine Jaquet, NPA Country Director, and Mr. Matthew Maguire, NPA Programme Manager.
The Regional Center for Social Sciences and Sustainable Development (RCSD) within CMU plays a central role in this partnership, with Dr. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, the Center’s Director, serving as a witness to the agreement. This collaboration exemplifies international development cooperation between academic institutions and NGOs, aiming to address the needs of marginalized communities while promoting equality and community empowerment.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Cross-Sectoral Dialogue
The Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration at CMU conducted a joint activity with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation on August 7, 2024. According to the Faculty’s website, they organized a roundtable discussion titled “Navigating the Nexus: European and SEA Views on Current Geopolitical Shifts amid Great Power Rivalries” at the Learning Space on the 2nd floor of the 50th Anniversary Building at the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration.
This event brought together representatives from the German Embassy in Thailand, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, International Rivers organization, Chulalongkorn University, and Chiang Mai University. Participants included representatives from embassies, consulates, universities, and government agencies in Chiang Mai province.
The event facilitated cross-sectoral dialogue on the relationship between the European Union and ASEAN countries, exploring avenues for cooperation on security and economic challenges. Additionally, CMU students participated in joint activities with students from Akita International University, examining the challenges and roles of the European Union in Southeast Asian development.
Highland Research and Development Institute Collaboration
On March 22, 2024, Chiang Mai University and the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI) renewed their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding at the Faculty of Law, CMU. As reported on HRDI’s website, this renewal marks the second consecutive year of collaboration, focusing on providing clinical legal advice to highland populations.
The signing ceremony involved Assistant Professor Dr. Natmon Kongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Ms. Aanda Nirantarayakul, Director of the Royal Park Rajapruek, acting on behalf of the Director of the Highland Research and Development Institute, along with executives and staff from both organizations.
This partnership has already demonstrated positive outcomes, as evidenced by a joint legal knowledge dissemination and consultation project conducted on February 14, 2024, in the Highland Research and Development Project area in Huai Pao, Thung Khao Puang Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. The project received excellent feedback from participants, who suggested expanding similar initiatives to other HRDI areas.
Community Engagement and Environmental Initiatives
On September 25, 2024, the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), or CODI, held a meeting with Chiang Mai University to discuss academic support for community strengthening initiatives. As documented on CODI’s website, this meeting took place at the Office of the President Building, CMU, and focused on various aspects of academic collaboration for community development.
The meeting addressed several collaborative areas, including legal community support, PM 2.5 pollution management, waste management innovations, and cultural heritage preservation. The discussion outlined specific action plans for:
1. Joint area-based initiatives, particularly focusing on Mae Kha Canal development, which involves architectural support and student engagement opportunities
2. Early childhood development centers in Chiang Mai, exploring equipment support and budget allocation challenges
3. PM 2.5 pollution management innovations, including the development of dust-free rooms in local schools and nurseries
4. Legal support for community forest areas across northern Thailand
According to CMU’s Good University Report 2023-2024, the university has implemented additional collaborative projects with NGOs throughout 2024, addressing different SDGs. These include the City Gas Grid initiative for sustainable energy (SDG 7), conservation efforts under royal patronage programs (SDG 15), and health outreach services to vulnerable communities (SDG 3).
Through these diverse NGO collaborations conducted throughout 2024, Chiang Mai University exemplifies the core principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The university leverages multi-stakeholder partnerships to address complex sustainable development challenges, creating significant impact through knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and community engagement initiatives.
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