Bangkok, Thailand, 13-15 November 2017 – The International Forum on Education for Rural Transformation was jointly hosted by UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED) and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), with the support of China-ASEAN Cooperation Fund (CACF). To address the global and regional agenda and issues of rural transformation, encourage the community and youth participation in mapping out their needs in the context of rural transformation, and share information and distribute the outcomes, the forum engaged around 200 delegates from more than 15 countries including the ASEAN countries and other neighboring nations.
HRH Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand specially sent a congratulatory letter to the forum, which was read out during the opening session, followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Ma Chao, Third Secretary of Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. Prof. Huang Ronghuai，Director of INRULED, also delivered a keynote speech entitled Education for Rural Transformation in the Digital Era . From the perspective of Sustainable Development Goals and Education 2030, the speech shared the achievements made in China's rural education development, especially the experience gained from information technology promoting transformation of rural education. In addition, Dr. Zhao Yuchi presented China's country report on rural transformation and participated in the later discussion.
The conference was divided into sub-thematic reports, workshops, youth forums, field trips, educational exhibitions and other modules. Youth Forum played a role to engage young people in discussions and debates, and encouraged them to express opinions and innovative ideas to mainstream the concept of education for rural transformation locally, nationally and regionally. Fieldtrip to Chang Hua Mun Royal Initiative Project, and Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre on the third day of conference allowed participants to study some of the Thai successful projects on farming practices and how it contribute to the well-being of people of Thailand.
Moreover, Beijing Normal University (BNU) also sent students to participate in the Youth Forum, enabling them to voice their opinions to the audiences. At the same time, INRULED specifically organised an exhibition, with the support of BNU’s Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and Faculty of Education, to publicise the university, especially its programme for international students, and the relevant achievements of INRULED.
Prof. Huang also discussed with Mr. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, President of Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) during the event. On the basis of reviewing the previous successful cooperation, they explored the possibility of future cooperation both at school level and AIT-INRULED level.
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) was established in Bangkok, Thailand in 1959 with the aim of promoting advanced engineering education and sustainable development in ASEAN and even the whole Asia. The institute offers variety of educational programme ranging from non-degree courses for professional development, to doctoral degree programme.
Mr. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai presented a souvenir to Prof. Huang Ronghuai
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NRULED booth and publications displayed during the conference