On September 9, the International Training Workshop and Youth Forum on “Education for Agricultural Economy and Rural Sustainable Development” was successfully convened in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was co-organized by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Beijing Normal University (BNU), UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (INRULED), and the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS). Prof. Zhou Zuoyu, Vice Chairman of the University Council of BNU and Director of INRULED, attended the workshop together with Dr. Qi Xinjian, Assistant Director, Ms. Li Mengxin, Administration Officer, and Ms. Liu Tianyi, Programme Coordinator. The event brought together representatives from government agencies, universities, research institutions, social organizations, and Chinese enterprises from China and Thailand, along with over 100 young delegates from more than ten countries across Southeast Asia and South Asia.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Zhou Zuoyu Highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Thailand, making special reference to Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit to Beijing Normal University earlier this year, during which she expressed her keen expectations for deeper cooperation in rural education, youth development, and sustainable development. He emphasized that BNU and INRULED have long been dedicated to advancing rural development and sustainable agricultural education, while maintaining pragmatic and fruitful cooperation with AIT. Stressing that youth are both a source of innovation and a driving force for sustainable development, he noted that this forum not only provided a valuable platform for exchange between young people from both countries, but also injected new momentum into China–Thailand cooperation in education and development.
At the main forum, Dr. Qi Xinjian delivered an overview of INRULED’s history, mission, and strategic priorities, underscoring INRULED’s commitment to promoting educational equity, advancing rural revitalization, and contributing to sustainable development. He outlined INRULED’s achievements in teacher training, educational quality improvement, and the integration of agriculture and education, and highlighted innovative practices such as interdisciplinary talent cultivation, digital empowerment, gender equality, and youth engagement, which further demonstrate INRULED’s active role in advancing educational innovation and contributing to global sustainable development.
At the youth forum, Ms. Liu Tianyi gave a keynote speech entitled Promoting Youth Engagement in Sustainable Rural Development. She introduced youth programmes jointly implemented by INRULED and BNU, including the Global Competency Summer Camp and Overseas Study Camp, as well as the INRULED’s innovative initiatives to encourage youth participation in rural sustainable development. Her presentation showcased INRULED’s sustained efforts to cultivate a new generation of globalcitizens and responsible young leaders.
During the visit, the delegation also held discussions with Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, exchanging views on sustainable rural development, rural revitalization, and youth development. In addition, the delegation visited several AIT departments and toured the Bioengineering Laboratory jointly established by AIT and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) of Thailand.
