HIGHLIGHTS
- Global Democratic & SDG Leadership Platform: Thammasat University hosted ICSW & APSF 2025 as a global arena for democratic dialogue and social transformation — reinforcing its long-standing identity as a civic institution advancing human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
- Strengthening SDG 17 through Multi-Layered Global Partnerships: The forum brought together over 1,300 participants from 90 countries — uniting international networks such as CIVICUS, ADN, and APSF with regional and local organisations to build enduring cross-regional collaboration and civil society ecosystems.
- Driving SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The event advanced shared learning on democratic resilience, civic participation, and accountable governance — positioning the university as a platform for civic empowerment, ethical leadership, and inclusive public engagement.
- Thammasat as a Safe and Inclusive Civic Space: By serving as a space for policy dialogue, social accountability, and community-driven collaboration, Thammasat demonstrates how academic institutions can function as catalysts for collective action, knowledge exchange, and long-term social partnership.
Thammasat University, a long-standing bastion of democratic ideals and human rights in Thailand, has once again demonstrated its leadership in driving tangible action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For decades, the university has served as both a symbolic and practical arena for social transformation—nurturing civic consciousness, public responsibility, and progressive thought. This historical identity continues to shape Thammasat’s role on the global stage today.
In a monumental display of global solidarity, the university joined forces with world-class democratic networks and civil society sectors to host the “International Civil Society Week & Asia Pacific Social Forum 2025” (ICSW & APSF 2025). The event, held between 1–5 November 2025 at the historic Thammasat University, Tha Prachan, served not only as a gathering space, but as a living laboratory of democratic discourse, where activists, scholars, policy-makers, and youth leaders collectively explored new approaches to social justice and sustainable development.
A Milestone for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Hosting this event marks a significant leap forward in driving SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It was not merely a conference, but a powerful synergy of global network partners, including:
- ADN: Asia Democracy Network
- CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
- APSF: Asia Pacific Social Forum
Together with Thammasat, these organisations created one of the largest international exchange platforms of the year.
The event welcomed over 1,300 participants from 90 countries worldwide — including leaders of civil society organisations (CSOs), academics, activists, and youth leaders. Beyond its global scale, the forum fostered deep dialogue, shared lessons on democratic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development.
Driving SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The core objective of this global forum was to exchange knowledge and co-create pathways toward a society that is equal, peaceful, and sustainable — directly aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which forms the foundation for progress in all other development dimensions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr M.L. Pinitbhand Paribatra, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at Thammasat University, presided over the opening ceremony, welcoming delegates from the 90 participating nations. In his address, he emphasised that this event mirrors the university’s primary mission: to serve as a space for learning and collaboration to “drive an equal and sustainable world.”
He further stressed that a university must function as a “Stage for Freedom and Social Responsibility.” It is the university’s duty to mould citizens who dare to think, dare to speak, and dare to protect righteousness—qualities essential for building strong, transparent, and accountable institutions.
Thammasat as a ‘Civic Space’
The ICSW & APSF 2025 did not only reflect global partnerships involving international giants like CIVICUS and ADN but also integrated regional and local powerhouses such as the Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD), the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).
Crucially, the event underscored Thammasat’s commitment to being a safe “Civic Space.” By providing a platform for the public to participate in policy formulation and hold authority to account, the university is actively practicing the very heart of SDG 16.
Thammasat University stands proud to be a driving force behind this international stage. The success of ICSW & APSF 2025 reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, civic engagement, and freedom of thought. We remain dedicated to serving as a learning space that drives positive social change, ensuring that we move forward toward true sustainability and equality — together.
