On 27 May 2024, ISC and Department of International Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with BRANDi and The Cloud, co-organised a seminar on “Summit of the Future and the Future of Multilateralism: Perspectives from Stakeholders” at Sukhumvit Room, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok. At the event, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered opening remarks, which was followed by messages from Mr. Guy Ryder, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Policy and Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

The panel discussion on “Whither the UN?: Can Summit of the Future Save Multilateralism?” commenced with a remark by Ms. Pinsuda Jayanama, Director-General, Department of International Oganisations. The session was moderated by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of ISC. Six distinguished speakers, namely H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, former Chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Council (2010-2011), Professor (Emeritus) Vitit Muntarbhorn, Professor at Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University and United Nations Human Rights Special Rapporteur, M.L. Dispanadda Diskul, Chief Executive Officer of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, Dr. Seree Nontasoot, Member of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), Dr. Netithorn Praditsarn, Secretary-General of the Global Compact Network Association (GCNA), Dr. Chayawadee Chai-anant, Assistant Governor Corporate Relations, Bank of Thailand and Mr. Piyachat Isarabhakdee, CEO BRANDi and Companies, shared their views on the future of multilateralism, the prospects for the Summit and its implications for Thailand.

In the afternoon, the participants had the opportunity to exchange views on key issues for the Summit that are respective to their organisations’ missions during the brainstorming sessions. It was followed by a discussion with Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, former Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and former Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Approximately 110 participants, including officials from the government and private sectors, the civil society, educational institutions, and youth attended the event.