A delightful group photo capturing the organizers, esteemed speakers, and the esteemed moderator, taken after the enlightening session on Smart Cities for All: Promoting Inclusivity and Sustainability.

Dr. Kenji Kuno, a JICA Senior Advisor on Disability & Development, delivered a presentation on the principles of disability, accessibility, and inclusiveness in the context of smart cities. He also shared some remarkable practices from Japan.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Networking and Collaboration Chief of APCD, presented APCD's efforts in implementing Non-Handicap Environment (NHE) and Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) to contribute towards the development of a smart city that is inclusive for all.

Representatives from APCD, Ms. Wilailekha Somprach, Manager, 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Projects, and Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief, Networking and Collaboration, raised awareness about volunteerism and encourage individuals with disabilities to actively participate in volunteer activities both in Thailand and globally.

UN agencies, government officials, UNV partners in Asia and the Pacific, celebrities, youth, individuals with disabilities, and volunteers all attended the event.

Mr. Christian Hainzl, Regional Manager, United Nations Volunteer Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, visited the APCD, 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Booth.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration, and Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking and Collaboration Officer were in front of APCD activity Booth.

APCD staff posed for a group photo in front of the "International Volunteer Day 2023" panel.        

UN Volunteers, UNV’s organizer, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and APCD post a group photo together of International Volunteer Day 2023.

An inspiring welcome speech by Mr. Christian Hainzl, UNV Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific, who emphasized the highlighted theme of International Volunteer Days.

A video presentation showcased the dedication of volunteers as they distributed baked goods to various communities in Bangkok.

Ms. Suchada Munkal, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Social Development and Welfare delivered the remarks and addressed sense of contribution to create peaceful society for all.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, addressed the participants, expressing their gratitude for their involvement and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

The event's highlight was the interactive baking session, where participants learned the art of bread-making from a talented chef and members of the APCD with disabilities.

The 18^th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development on the theme “Responsive Social Protection in the Changing World” was conducted at Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Viet Nam, 13-14 November 2023.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp was invited to share APCD’s lesson learned on the session called “Ensuring Disability-inclusive Approaches and Strategies on Social Protection”. He shared how APCD promoted healthy and independent life of persons with disabilities and their families during and after the pandemic of COVID-19.

The sharing discussion between Hill Area & Community Development Foundation (HADF), Ruam Mit Foundation and APCD on the potential activities for TCTP Course 3 in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Checking accessibility for potential accommodation of TCTP Course 3.

Participants shared the lesson learned. Mr. Somchai Rungsilp facilitated discussion during the workshop on disaster risk reduction (DRR) organized by Good Neighbor Thailand Foundation (GNTH)

Group photo at the Workshop organized by GNTH after the initiative discussion.

A group photo taken to commemorate the participation of attendees and organizers in this important meeting, which focuses on the collaboration program between APCD and JICA and its implementation in countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer facilitated the meeting agenda including following up on progress, updating plans, and consulting with the key stakeholders.

Dr. Kuno Kenji, JICA Advisor on Disability and Development, delivered a highly informative presentation on the successful implementation of the program and the promising prospects for enhanced collaboration between APCD and JICA, which greatly benefit the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Participants engaged in productive discussions regarding the progress achieved through the collaboration program and mutually identify potential areas for further cooperation.

Representatives of Singapore Management University (SMU), Mr. Jack Yong Ho, Research Fellow and Mr. Derek Chiang Yick Jih, Senior Manager of SMU-X office, visited and discussed with Executive Director, Mr. Piroon and Community Development Manager, Mr. Somchai

Discussion on porgram and preparation for the internship program which is planned to conducted in May 2024.

Bangkok, November 1, 2023 - The "Dohiru" program, renowned for its in-depth exploration of Japanese culture, cuisine, education, technology, and the essence of Japanese life, is set to illuminate an inspiring collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) that has led to remarkable success stories and good practices.

"Building a Better Society: Japanese Success Stories in Inclusivity and Empowerment" - In this special episode, "Dohiru" shines a spotlight on the profound collaboration between JICA and APCD, a partnership that has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive society and empowering individuals with disabilities and vulnerable groups in Thailand, the Asian region, and the Pacific.