Thammasat University Student Representing Thailand at Global Climate Summit
A student from Thammasat University, Nan-Nunnaphat Pongwitoon, has been designated as Thailand’s sole youth representative at the 20th Conference of Youth (COY20). Currently in her fourth year, Pongwitoon is majoring in Spanish and Latin American Studies within the Faculty of Arts. She is also one of nine Thai youth representatives scheduled to attend the upcoming 30th UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, taking place from November 5 to 19, 2023.
Environmental Advocacy Initiative
In her role as Project Manager for the Local Conference of Youth Thailand 2025, Pongwitoon aims to engage young people in Thailand in environmental advocacy. This initiative seeks to collect input from Thai youth to formulate a youth statement intended for presentation to the YOUNGO network, which collaborates with both COY20 and COP30.
Youth Participation in Climate Policy
During COY20, facilitated by the Department of Climate Change and Environmental Affairs and the Global Fund for Children, Pongwitoon participated in discussions focused on “Youth Participation in Climate Policy.” This engagement allowed her to connect with peers from countries such as the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan. The discussions addressed a variety of strategies for effective climate policy advocacy, highlighting the significance of youth involvement in environmental issues, which are critical to future leadership and the pursuit of a just and equitable environment.
Linking Environmental Challenges
Pongwitoon’s academic focus on Spanish and Latin American studies is identified as a beneficial asset, enabling her to effectively connect environmental challenges facing Southeast Asia with those in Latin America. Her contributions during the conference underscored the link between environmental issues and social inequality, noting that vulnerable populations are often disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution.
Future Engagement and Understanding
She stated that her participation in COP30 is expected to enhance her understanding of policy issues and reinforce the importance of education and youth engagement in promoting a sustainable future.
Source: Thammasat University
