On the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, the International Studies Center (ISC) organised a seminar on “The UN@80: The Future of Multilateralism” at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse. The event commenced with the opening remarks by Dr. Tej Bunnag, Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society and Chairperson of the ISC Advisory Board.

          The seminar comprised two sessions. The first session featured three distinguished speakers, namely Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Member of the International Law Commission (ILC), and former Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs; Associate Professor Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University; and Professor Dr. Krislert Samphantharak, Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and Senior Fellow at the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research (PIER). The three speakers discussed emerging issues and challenges faced by the UN from the perspectives of international politics, international economic relations and international law. They also exchanged views on the future of multilateralism and its implications for “middle powers”.
          The second session featured a special talk between Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun and Dr. Tej Bunnag. Prime Minister Anand shared his experiences in working with the United Nations and his views on changing international environment and its implications on foreign affairs. Approximately 100 participants, including former ministers, former Thai ambassadors, government officials, representatives from the private sector, media, academia, and civil society participated in the event.