Group photo of participants, resource person, JICA, TICA, and APCD at the closing ceremony of the TCTP-DIDRR Course 3 on Facilitation for Change and Social Media Production on Promoting DIDRR on January 26th, 2024, at Best Western Chatuchak Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Japanese Short-term Expert, JICA, provided training feedback on the last day of the training.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), delivered a closing remark at the closing ceremony.

Mr. Suzuki Kazuya, Chief Representative of JICA Thailand Office, delivered the closing speech and joined us in congratulating the graduates of the training course. The event organizers also presented certificates to the participants.

Lieutenant Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), delivered the closing speech and joined us in congratulating the graduates of the training course. The event organizers also presented certificates to the participants.

Learning session on Stakeholders meeting at APCD on good practices on facilitation skills and participatory training approaches related to DiDRR initiatives on January 22nd, 2024.

Learning session of Stakeholder’s meeting at UNESCAP on Sharing experiences on DiDRR implementation in Asia-Pacific countries with ESCAP Representatives on January 22nd, 2024.

Overview photos at the closing session.

A group photo of participants, organizers and resource persons at the opening ceremony session.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director delivered a welcome remark on the TCTP Course 3.

Ms. Yuki Kitagawa, Senior Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office delivered the opening speech.

Lieutenant Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), delivered to the participants during the opening ceremony session for the last training course of TCTP.

Participants posted a group photo together with APCD staff and Mr. Sawang Srisom, resource person on Disability Equality Training (DET) actively on the first day of the training.  

Learning sessions on comprehending the participatory training methodologies employed in community-level work by Dr. Akio Kawamura, a resource person from Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai Province.

Learning session at the Stakeholders’ meeting at the office of Hill Area and Community Development Foundation (HADF)

Learning session on Workshop on social media & Networking Production by Ms. Ketkamon Artrit from BlueDot Partnerships Co., Ltd.

Learning session at Center of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) region 15, Chiang Rai province on experienced the earthquake simulation van and to learn about the implementation of DDPM on DRR and DiDRR in Thailand.

In a groundbreaking educational endeavor, Ms. Kawaii Yuko, the representative of JICA Thailand, guided a group of Grade 7 students from the Thai-Japanese Association School on an immersive exploration into the world of Official Development Assistance (ODA). The students delved into the complexities of ODA and directly witnessed the implementation of initiatives fostering inclusive societies during their visit to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Taking place on January 18, 2024, this educational initiative provided the students with a unique opportunity to engage with the practical side of international relations and witness the real-world impact of collaborative efforts between Thailand and Japan. The visit showcased APCD's commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Throughout the visit, the students actively participated in interactive sessions and discussions led by APCD experts, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights. The center, serving as a living classroom, highlighted the concrete efforts towards empowering individuals with disabilities and emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive society.

Upon their return to the classrooms, these Grade 7 students not only brought back textbook knowledge but also a vivid and enduring impression of the significance of international collaboration for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. This APCD visit was more than just a school trip; it was a transformative journey into a world of possibilities, where cooperation knows no bounds, understanding transcends continents, and empowerment lays the groundwork for a truly inclusive global society.

Group photo of students, lecturers and APCD staff

The welcoming speech made by the APCD Executive Director, Mr. Piroon Laismit

Role-play activities for understanding Persons who live with visual impairments.

An interactive lecture on APCD’s regional activities in Asia-Pacific countries by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief, Networking and Collaboration.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) actively participated in the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Regional Consultation held in Bangkok on December 4-5, 2023. The focus of the event centered on the Midterm Review and Progress of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025, a crucial regional initiative.

Hosted by AICHR Thailand, the consultation drew more than 80 participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from ASEAN, government officials, members of civil society, and organizations advocating for persons with disabilities.

The discussions revolved around the review and monitoring of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025, highlighting good practices and engaging in dialogues on the way forward. The central theme aimed at promoting and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities while fostering the creation of an inclusive society.

Among the attendees was a representative from APCD, who actively contributed valuable insights to enhance collaboration among stakeholders. The inputs shared by APCD emphasized the importance of employing both bottom-up and top-down approaches in advancing the objectives of the masterplan.

The event, conducted on December 5, 2023, served as a platform for meaningful exchanges, fostering a collective effort to address challenges and identify opportunities for further progress. The engagement of diverse stakeholders underscores the commitment to promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities within the ASEAN region.

In a groundbreaking event aimed at fostering cultural exchange and enjoyment rights for persons with disabilities, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) played a pivotal role in the 16th Disabled People International Korea Assembly and the Asia-Pacific International Conference held in Seoul from November 27 to December 1, 2023.

APCD was honored with an invitation to participate in the assembly, where their representative delivered a compelling keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Moreover, the organization actively supported the conference by moderating presentations on good practices from various organizations, held on November 29-30, 2023.

Approximately 80 participants from diverse Asia-Pacific and South Korean organizations congregated at the conference. Noteworthy presentations were shared by representatives from Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The event also embraced the promotion of international E-sport matches, a strategic move aimed at enhancing awareness and future promotion.

Five for All Foundation from Thailand showcased their commendable efforts in promoting disability-inclusive culture and dance performance. The foundation's presentation highlighted the significance of cultural activities and programs in empowering persons with disabilities, aligning with APCD's staunch belief in creating an inclusive society on a global scale.

The conference served as a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the celebration of successful initiatives that contribute to the advancement of disability rights and cultural inclusion. APCD's active participation underscored their commitment to shaping a world that values and respects the rights of individuals with disabilities.