On 28 August 2025, H.E. Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of the 10^th TICA Connect under the theme “Empowering People, Innovating for Change”, organized by The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) at Living Hall, 3^rd Floor, and SCBX Next Tech, 4^th Floor, Siam Paragon.

In her remarks, the Vice Minister stressed the importance of human development as the heart of national development, an inclusive development that embraces all groups and ages, driven by technological advancement and innovative policies. Moreover, the event also featured a keynote speech by Dr. Ornkanyanee Liang-Itsara, Assistant to the President for Lifelong Learning, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), on translating policies into practices for people development. Panel discussions were held on the topics of “Inclusive Development: Reaching the Margins” which focused on human development for vulnerable groups, and “Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development through Volunteerism,” which highlighted the role of young people in advancing sustainable development. Most importantly, This year’s TICA Connect coincided with the 10^th anniversary of TICA’s establishment as a department in 2025.

The event was organized to raise awareness of Thailand’s international development cooperation efforts, to promote better understanding of their significance, and to highlight the benefits of international cooperation for Thailand’s national development. The event also aimed to engage partners, government agencies, the private sector, civil society, the general public and especially young people, in international development cooperation.

The panel discussions on the topic of “Inclusive Development: Reaching the Margins” brought together representatives from diverse backgrounds to share perspectives on supporting vulnerable groups. Panelists included representatives from the Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization), the Department of Children and Youth, and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD). Another session on “Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development through Volunteerism” featured both Thai volunteers under TICA’s Friends from Thailand Program and international volunteers from Peace Corps, JICA (JOCV), and KOICA (KOV), highlighting the role of young people in advancing sustainable development.

In addition, the event featured exhibitions showcasing TICA’s international development cooperation projects in various countries, as well as exhibitions by partner organizations, including Srinakharinwirot University, Kasetsart University, the Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization), and the Department of Children and Youth. International partners such as Peace Corps, JICA (JOCV), KOICA (KOV), GIZ, APCD, and the United Nations also presented their work. Moreover, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security organized an exhibition and products made by victims of human trafficking.