Chula Hosts “Cooperation in ASEAN: Regional Human Rights Issues”

Chulalongkorn University, through the Social Research Institute, Institute of Asian Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Institute of Thai Studies, Aquatic Resources Research Institute, and Master of Arts Program in Human and Social Development, Graduate School, recently organized the “Cooperation in ASEAN: Regional Human Rights Issues” forum and exhibition as part of the Knowledge Sharing Across Chulalongkorn Faculties project on February 4, 2025, at CU Social Innovation Hub. Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, gave the opening speech, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Unruan Leknoi, Director of the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, presented a report.  

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, remarked that solving regional social problems requires efforts from all sectors, especially in this era of rapid change. Knowledge must be put into practice to create real change. Therefore, universities must serve as the core for building collaborative networks with the power to drive society forward. 

This forum presented important issues regarding human rights in ASEAN by human rights experts and regional cooperation specialists. It covered challenges and opportunities in promoting human rights, regional cooperation mechanisms, and the role of educational institutions in supporting human rights protection, along with related exhibitions. The forum aimed to elevate the exchange of ideas toward sustainable collaboration and drive significant issues to create real change, in accordance with the motto that states: “Knowledge that is not applied is merely text, but knowledge that is mobilized becomes an endless power.” 

Not only is the forum and exhibition a platform for academic exchange, but it also aims to foster cooperation that will lead to practical implementation, in order to drive human rights issues in ASEAN toward concrete and sustainable outcomes.