9 Oct 2015

Dear Dr.Sumet Yamnoon

This letter pertains to recommendations from “SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCES IN THE ASEAN COMMUNITY:A Regional Research Symposium and Academic Policy Dialogue” held at Chulalongkorn University, 19-21 August 2015 and proposed follow-up with the ASEAN Secretariat with specific suggestions to include in the new ASEAN 5-Year Work Plan on Education 2016-2020 in advance of the Senior Education officials meeting to be hosted by Thailand 1 December 2015.

In follow-up discussion with the ASEAN Secretariat after our August 2015 conference we request that OHEC Thailand support (or suggest revisions to) the following insertions into the draft ASEAN 5-Year Work Plan on Education 2016-2020as follows”

Under Sub-goal 5. “Complement the efforts of other sectors in meeting the objectives of Education for Sustainable Development”

PRIORITY AREAS

  • 5.3 Strengthened Research and Teaching Capacities for Social and Sustainability Sciences in ASEAN Universities

INDICATORS (2)

  • Establishment of an ASEAN Scholars Network on Social and Sustainability Sciencesto facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative policy-relevant research
  • Establishment of national working groups and designated Social and Sustainability Sciences Focal Points representing government ministries, research councils and universities of each ASEAN country to facilitate national and regional research cooperation and capacity strengthening activities

PROGRAMMES/ACTIVITIES (2)

  • “Multi-disciplinaryResearch Initiative on Social and Sustainability Sciences for understanding social, environmental and economic issues and impacts of ASEAN integration including significant policy implications”
  • “National Consultations, Surveys and Research on State of Social and Sustainability Sciences in each ASEAN country to support a regional report.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS (2)

  • Publication of ASEANState of Social and Sustainability Sciences Report
  • Web-based Knowledge-Sharing Platform to support ASEAN Scholars Network and Learning Resources for Strengthening Social and Sustainability Sciences

LEAD COUNTRY(S)

  • Thailand
  • ASEAN Member States

IMPLEMENTING SECTORAL BODIES/COORDINATING ORGANS/PARTNERS

  • SOM-ED, UNESCO (ASEAN-UNESCO MOU), ASEAN University Network

Thanking you very much for your kind attention and consideration,

Yours Truly,

ข้อความเพื่อพิจารณาสำหรับASEAN 5-Year Work Plan on Education 2016-2020

Under Sub-goal 5. “Complement the efforts of other sectors in meeting the objectives of Education for Sustainable Development”
PRIORITY AREAS
* 5.3 Strengthened Research and Teaching Capacities for Social and Sustainability Sciences in ASEAN Universities
INDICATORS (2)
* Establishment of an ASEAN Scholars Network on Social and Sustainability Sciences to facilitate knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary learning and collaborative policy-relevant research
* Establishment of National Working Groups and designated Social and Sustainability Sciences Focal Points representing government ministries, research councils and universities of each ASEAN country to facilitate national and regional research cooperation, curriculum development and capacity strengthening activities
PROGRAMMES/ACTIVITIES (2)
* “Multi-disciplinary Research Initiative on Social and Sustainability Sciences for understanding social, environmental and economic issues and impacts of ASEAN integration including analyses of significant policy implications for governments”
* “National Consultations and Research on State of Social and Sustainability Sciences in each ASEAN country to support data collection, surveys and interdisciplinary analysis for a regional report.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS (2)
* Publication of ASEAN State of Social and Sustainability Sciences Report
* Web-based Knowledge-Sharing Platform to support an ASEAN Scholars Network and Learning Resources for Strengthening Social and Sustainability Sciences
LEAD COUNTRY(S)
* Thailand (with Chulalongkorn University)
* ASEAN Member States
IMPLEMENTING SECTORAL BODIES/COORDINATING ORGANS/PARTNERS
* SOM-ED, UNESCO (ASEAN-UNESCO MOU), SEAMEO-RIHED (TBC), ASEAN University Network (TBC)

“SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCES IN THE ASEAN COMMUNITY:

A Regional Research Symposium and

Academic Policy Dialogue”

(19-21 August 2015)

Chumpot Pantip Conference Room, 4th Floor, Prajadhipok Rambhai Barni Building,

Chulalongkorn University,Bangkok THAILAND

Hosted/Sponsored by

  • Chulalongkorn University (CU)

With Funding Support from

  • ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University (CU)
  • National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
  • National Health Commission of Thailand(NHC)

In Partnership with:

  • ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat, Bangkok
  • Office of the Commission on Higher Education (OCHE), Thailand
  • SIANI Higher Education for Sustainable Agriculture (HESA) in Southeast Asia Expert Group
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
  • Center for ASEAN Studies, Chiang Mai University

DAY 1 - Wednesday, 19 August 2015
8:30 – 9:00 / Registration
9:00 – 9:30 / Welcome Remarks
  • Assist.Prof.Dr. M.R. Kalaya Tingsabadh, VicePresident, Chulalongkorn University (CU)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, Executive Director, ASEAN University Network (AUN), Secretariat, Bangkok
  • Dr. Gwang-Jo Kim, Director, UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education

9:30 – 10:45 / Session 1 - Setting the Scene–Global/Regional Meeting Contexts
MODERATOR:Prof. Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Chulalongkorn University
SPEAKERS
  • Dr. Chantavit Sujatanond, Director, Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (RIHED).
  • Dr. Susan VIZE,Regional Adviser for Social and Human Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
  • Dr. Wayne Nelles, Vancouver Island University, CANADA
    Visiting Scholar, Chulalongkorn University, School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR), Documenting, Strengthening and Applying Social and Sustainability Education and Sciences in Southeast Asia: A Challenge for Greening the New ASEAN Community

10:45 – 11:00 / Coffee/Tea Break
PLENARY SESSIONS
11:00 – 12:30 / Session 2 - National Reviews on State of Social and SustainabilitySciencesin Selected ASEAN Countries
MODERATOR:Prof. Dr.Charit Tingsabadh
  • INDONESIA – Dr. Herry Yogaswara, Researcher and Prof. Dr. Aswatini Aswatini, Deputy Chairperson of Social Sciences and Humanities Social Science Division, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, (LIPI) “Managing Sustainable Development through Research in Indonesia: Some Lessons Learned from Competitive Research Scheme Indonesian Institute of Sciences”
  • MALAYSIA – Prof. Zawawi Ibrahim -- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Institute of Asian Studies & Abdul Rahman Embong -- Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - “Social Sciences and Sustainability in Malaysia and ASEAN: Some Critical Perspectives”
  • PHILIPPINES - Dr. Cynthia Zayas and Ms. Simeona Martinez, University of the Philippines. Representing Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC). “Defining Sustainability Science through the Lens of the Philippine Social Sciences”
  • THAILAND Dr. Narumon Arunotai, Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI); Prof. Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Chulalongkorn University, and Rural Sociologist and Dr.Chayan Vadhanaphuti,Chiangmai University

12:30 – 13:30 / Lunch
13:30 – 15:00 / Session 3 - National Reviews cont.
MODERATOR:Prof. Dr.Supang Chantawanich
  • LAO PDR – Prof. Dr. Kabmanivanh Phouxay, Head, Research and Post Graduate Division, National University of Laos (NUOL) and Ms. Oulavanh Sinsamphanh, “Social and Sustainability Sciences: Social Sustainable Development in Lao PDR”
  • MYANMAR – Dr. Khin Muang Nyo, Senior Research Fellow, Myanmar Development Resource Institute (MDRI) “Social and Sustainability Sciences in Transitional Myanmar”
  • VIET NAM – Dr. An Thi Tran, Director, Scientific Management Department, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS). “Social and Sustainability Sciences in Vietnam: a Look toward ASEAN Community”
  • SINGAPORE- Prof.Dr.Kamaludeen Mohamed NASIR, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore “Singapore at 50: A New Dawn for Social Science Research”

15:00 – 15:30 / Coffee/Tea Break
15:30 - 17:00 / Session 4 – Social Environmental Sustainability Lessons and Methodological Innovation: Cross Cutting Theme
MODERATOR:Prof. Dr.Lutgarda Tolentino
  • Dr. Albert Salamanca, Dr. Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Dr. Louis Lebel and Dr.Agus Nugroho, “Engaging Policy and Planning through Boundary Partners: an Evaluation of SUMERNET Research Projects in the Mekong Region
  • Dr. Bharat Dahiya,Visiting Fellow, Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI),Bangkok, “When Perspective Matters: Science-Policy-Practice of Sustainable Urbanization in Southeast Asia”
  • Ms. Myat Thet Thitsar, Research Director, Enlightened Myanmar Research (EMR) "Social and Socioeconomic Lessons Learned from Cylcone Nargis for Flood 2015 in Myanmar".
  • Dr.Pirongrong Ramasoota, Lecturer, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University “Hate Speech as a Social Issue”

17:30 – 18:00 / Roundtable Panel: Youth and Graduate Student Perspectives on Development and Sustainability Studies for ASEAN and Beyond
MODERATORS/HOSTS: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chantana Banpasirichote, Chulalongkorn University withDr. Carl Middleton, Lecturer on the M.A. in International Development Studies (MAIDS) Program, Faculty of Political Science
At Chulanarumitr House
18:00:- 19:30 / Welcome Dinner/Reception for All
*MC: Ph.D. Supawan Visetnoi
DAY 2 - Thursday, 20 August 2015
8:30 – 10:00 / Session 5– Lessons from Social and SustainabilityScience and Education (Selected Studies - Empirical, Regional & Theoretical)
MODERATOR:Dr.Jakkrit Sangkamanee
  • Dr. Phimphakan Lebel, Dr. Patcharawalai Sriyasak and Dr.Louis Lebel, Unit for Social and Environmental Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, “Risk Aversion, Emotions and the Management of Climate Risks to Fish Farms”
  • Dr. Coeli Barry,Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, “The Best People have to Offer: A Case Study in Communication, Collaboration and Capacity-building for Excellence in Managing Graduate Education”
  • Dr. Helmi Helmi (Andalas University, Indonesia) and Dr. Irakli Khodeli (UNESCO Jakarta Office, Indonesia) “Developing socially inclusive framework for livelihoods improvement and rehabilitation of degraded land and forest: Notes from an on-going applied research in Indonesia.”
  • Dr.Dindo Campilan, Director for Asia, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), CGIAR Asia Regional Office, Hanoi, Vietnam“Sustainability+: Building an Eco-efficient Future for Tropical Agriculture in Southeast Asia”

10:00 – 10:30 / Coffee/Tea Break
10:30 – 12:00 / Session 6 Pedagogy, Regional Learning and Sustainability Education Lessons and Networks
MODERATOR:Dr.Uthai Dulyakasem
  • Alexandra B. Perkinson and Marut Jatiket, Thai Education Foundation, Bangkok “Thai Education Foundation: Using Sustainable Program Models to Support ASEAN Farmers”
  • Prof. Dr. Mario T. Tabucanon, Visiting Professor, United Nations University (UNU), Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability. “Higher Education Networking for Sustainable Development:ProSPER.Net Ambitions and Experiences”
  • Mr. Apichai Sunchindah, ASEAN/GMS integration & connectivity – need for holistic analysis of pros & cons
  • Dr.Carl Middleton, Lecturer MAIDS, Chulalongkorn University “Toward Transnational Water Governance on Transnational Rivers: Reflections on a Fellowship Program on the Salween River”

12:00 – 13:00 / Lunch
SPECIAL JOINT SESSION (AFTERNOON)
Co-sponsored by Chulalongkorn University (CU), and
National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
(***NOTE: Separate Venue – Lotus 7, Centara Hotel)
13:30 – 16:30 / Reforming Research Systems for the Future: Focus on Science Policy Interface in Unequal Worlds
  • ORGANIZER/MODERATOR: Prof. Surichai Wun’gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Chulalongkorn University, and Rural Sociologist
SELECTED PAPERS & DIALOGUEPANEL
  • Dr. Lutgarda L. Tolentino, President Asian Rural Sociological Association (ARSA) and Knowledge and Action Researcher, WorldFish/CGIAR, Laguna, PHILIPPINE “Situating ARSA in the ASEAN’s Quest for Social and Sustainability Sciences”
  • Ms. Myat Thet Thitsar, Research Director, Enlightened Myanmar Research (EMR)
  • Dr. Susan VIZE,Regional Adviser for Social and Human Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
  • Dr. Wayne Nelles, Vancouver Island University, CANADA
    Visiting Scholar, Chulalongkorn University, School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR), Documenting, Strengthening and Applying Social and Sustainability Education and Sciences in Southeast Asia: A Challenge for Greening the New ASEAN Community
  • Dr.Sawitri Suwansathit, Advisor to Ministry of CultureThailand
  • Prof.Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, M.D., Prince of Songkla University
  • Dr.Somsak Chunharas, M.D., Deputy Ministerof PublicHealth
  • Dr. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, Chiang Mai University

*MC: Ms.Surada Chundasutathanakul
DAY 3 - Friday, 21 August 2015 (Half Day)
8:30 – 09:15 / KEY NOTE: Dr. Lydia Garrido Luzardo, Antropología de Anticipación FLACSO Uruguay Laboratorio de Futuros Nodo Uruguay Millennium Project, Global Futures Studies & Research
9:15 – 10:45 / Session 7 – Learning, Education Reform, and Sustainability Communications
MODERATOR:Asst.Prof. Dr.Wasan Panyakaew
  • Mr. Richard G. Castor. Lecturer, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. “Education for sustainability in ASEAN Plus youth program: A stakeholder approach
  • Dr. John Walsh, Director, SIU Research Centre Shinawatra University, “Thailand Education Systems and the Factory Asia paradigm in the Greater Mekong Subregion”
  • Dr. Cely S. Binoya, Dr. Georgina J. Bordado, Dr. Arthur B. Estrella and Dr. Yolanda Agawa, Central Bicol State Agricultural University CBSUA, Philippines “Reforming Curricular Programs in Agriculture: Methodologies and approaches toward building resiliency and sustainability of Farming Communities in the Philippines”
  • Dr. Jan Servaes, UNESCO Chair in Communication for Sustainable Social Change, Chair Professor, City University of Hong Kongand Dr. Patchanee Malikhao, Fecund Communication, Hong Kong: “The Role and Place of Communication for Sustainable Social Change”

10:45 – 11:00 / Coffee/Tea Break
11:00 - 11:20 / SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Mr. Martin Hart-Hansen, Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Thailand. “The importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Social and Sustainability Sciences”
11:20 - 12:00 / Session 8 - PLENARY - Dialogue on Challenges Capacities and Futures for Social and Sustainability Sciences and Networks in ASEAN (all Delegates - No papers)
MODERATOR: Assoc.Prof.Dr.Piniti Ratananukul, Secretary-General, The Office of Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education THAILAND
12:00 – 12:30 / Session 9 - CLOSING PLENARY Summary/Reflections (Lessons from Symposium - Assessment of Next Steps for ASEAN Social and Sustainability Sciences)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nantana Gajaseni, Executive Director, ASEAN University Network (AUN), Secretariat, Bangkok
  • Dr. Susan Vize,Regional Adviser for Social and Human Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
  • Dr. Wayne Nelles, VIU Canada andVisiting Scholar, Chulalongkorn University, School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR)
Moderator: Prof. Surichai Wun’gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Chulalongkorn University
12:30 - 13:30 / Informal Networking - Closing Lunch
*MC:

Reforming Research Systems for the Future: Focus on Policy Interface

Thailand Research Expo 2015

วันที่20 ส.ค. 2558 เวลา 13.30 – 16.30 น.

Roundtable Panel: “Knowledge – Policy Interface in Unequal Worlds”

หลักการเหตุผล

เป็นที่ทราบกันดีว่าประเทศไทยต้องการก้าวพ้นจากกับดักของความขัดแย้งรุนแรงและ “กับดักประเทศรายได้ปานกลาง” Middle – Income Trap (MIT) แต่การกำหนดวิสัยทัศน์ของสังคมไทยในเรื่องอนาคตระยะยาวนั้นต้องเผชิญกับภาวะบีบคั้นของสถานการณ์เฉพาะหน้าด้านเศรษฐกิจและการเมืองอยู่มากดังนั้นแม้แนวความคิดหลักเรื่องสังคมความรู้ (Knowledge Society) และเศรษฐกิจฐานความรู้ (Knowledge Economy) จะเป็นที่ยอมรับกันกว้างขวางแต่ภาวะบีบคั้นอันเนื่องมาจากความขัดแย้งในระหว่างปัญหาเฉพาะหน้าและการคิดระยะยาวยังดำรงอยู่อย่างหลีกเลี่ยงได้ยาก

ในอดีตวิชาการและการวิจัยกับวงการนโยบายถือว่าเป็นคนละวงการแยกส่วนกัน กระบวนนโยบายมักจะเป็นเขตแดนของวิชาการด้านรัฐประศาสนศาสตร์ขณะที่ความรู้และการวิจัยเป็นเรื่องของเนื้อหาสาระซึ่งแบ่งแยกไปตามขอบเขตของวิชาการสาขาอื่นๆ การแบ่งงานและแยกส่วนรับผิดชอบดังกล่าวนี้ถือเป็นระเบียบอันเป็นปกติ ขณะที่วงการนโยบายและการกำหนดนโยบายเป็น “โลก” ของวงการเมืองและราชการระดับสูง1ที่แยกขาดจากวงวิชาการและวิจัยจนเสมือนเป็น “คนละโลก” แต่สถานการณ์ของการพัฒนาในโลกและการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่รวดเร็วในยุคโลกาภิวัตน์ทำให้ความจำเป็นที่จะให้กระบวนการกำหนดนโยบายที่มีองค์ความรู้รองรับอย่างทันกาลเป็นความปรารถนาสูงสุดของทุกฝ่ายในสภาพแวดล้อมของโลกาภิวัตน์ที่เร่งรุด แต่ขาดความสมดุลเช่นในปัจจุบัน องค์การระหว่างประเทศที่มีความรู้และเชี่ยวชาญด้านนโยบายหลายแห่งโดยเฉพาะองค์การUNESCO WHO ILOได้ผลักดันให้วงการที่ทำงานวิชาการด้านวิทยาศาสตร์และสังคมศาสตร์-มนุษย์ศาสตร์ต้องมีปฏิสัมพันธ์กับวงการกำหนดนโยบาย (policy making) มีการเคลื่อนไหวในระดับนานาชาติให้มีการปฏิรูประบบการวิจัยให้เชื่อมโยงถึงกระบวนการตัดสินใจทางนโยบายมากขึ้นณจุดนี้หัวเรื่องการเชื่อมโยงระหว่างความรู้วิชาการ/วิจัยกับนโยบาย (knowledge – action, science-policy interface) จึงกลายเป็นประเด็นที่มีความสำคัญโดดเด่นและมีสถานะเป็นพื้นที่ใหม่ของการเรียนรู้ทางนโยบาย (policy learning) ระดับโลกและในประเทศอย่างชัดเจน ดังเอกสารการประชุมระดับสมัชชาใหญ่ของสหประชาชาติที่มุ่งระดมความเห็นระดับโลกเรื่องเป้าหมายใหม่แห่งการพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน( Sustainable Development Goals ) หลังปีพ.ศ. 2558 สะท้อนถึงความสำคัญและความเร่งด่วนในเรื่องบริบทอนาคตที่ท้าทายจินตนาการในการสร้างสรรความร่วมมือนี้อย่างหนักแน่น[1]

วัตถุประสงค์

1. เสริมสร้างความตระหนักในความสำคัญของความเชื่อมโยงความรู้กับนโยบายในบริบทการพัฒนาที่มีความเหลื่อมล้ำ

2. สร้างความเข้าใจถึงความสำคัญของโอกาสในการพัฒนาสมรรถนะการเรียนรู้ต่อตัวแบบKnowledge-policyinterface โดยอาศัยประสบการณ์ของUNESCO-MOST[2]และบทเรียนที่อื่น

3. ส่งเสริมการบูรณาการทางวิชาการสังคมศาสตร์เพื่อเสริมให้การเรียนรู้ด้านนโยบาย (policy learning) สามารถก้าวข้ามพรมแดน“จำเพาะ”ของวิชาและของสายงานและข้ามภาคส่วน (inter-and cross – sectorality )

Reforming Research Systems for the Future: Focus on Science - Policy Interface in Unequal Worlds

Opening Remarks : Prof. Dr. Soothiporn Jitmitraparb, Secretary General, National Research Council of Thailand(NRCT)

  • Moderator: Prof. Surichai Wun’gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies Chulalongkorn University

Roundtable :

  • Dr.Somsak Chunharas, M.D., Deputy Ministerof PublicHealth*
  • Dr.Sawitri Suwansathit, Advisor to Ministry of Culture Thailand
  • Dr. Susan VIZE,Regional Adviser for Social and Human Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Bangkok, Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education
  • Dr. Wayne Nelles, Vancouver Island University, CANADA
    Visiting Scholar, Chulalongkorn University, School of Agricultural Resources (CUSAR), Social and Sustainability Education and Sciences in Southeast Asia: A Challenge for Greening the New ASEAN Community
  • Prof.Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, M.D., Prince of Songkla University
  • Dr. Lutgarda L. Tolentino, President, Asian Rural Sociological Association (ARSA) and Knowledge and Action Researcher, WorldFish/CGIAR, Laguna, PHILIPPINE “Situating ARSA in the ASEAN’s Quest for Social and Sustainability Sciences”
  • Ms. Myat Thet Thitsar,Research Director, Enlightened Myanmar Research (EMR)
  • Dr. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, Chiang Mai University*
  • Prof.Dr.Ir.HELMI, Vice-Rector for Planning and Research, Andalas Univesity, Indonesia

Closing Remarks : Prof.Emeritus Dr.Apichat Chamratrittisong, Chairperson National Research Council Sociology Committee

หมายเหตุ * ติดราชการกระทันหัน

จัดโดย

คณะกรรมการสภาวิจัยแห่งชาติสาขาสังคมวิทยา โดยความร่วมมือกับ

คณะกรรมการสุขภาพแห่งชาติ (สช.)

สถาบันวิจัยสังคมจุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย

ศูนย์ศึกษาสันติภาพและความขัดแย้งจุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย

SOCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCES IN THE ASEAN COMMUNITY:

A Regional Research Symposium and Academic Policy Dialogue

Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok

19-21 August 2015

Statement calling for Social and Sustainability Sciences for ASEAN Integration

We, the participants of the first Regional Research Symposium and Academic Policy Dialogue on Social and Sustainability Sciences in the ASEAN Communitycoming from universities, civil society research organizations, regional research institutes, and international agencies based in the ASEAN region:

  1. Acknowledge that there is growing recognition of the worsening economic inequalities, social disparities and environmental degradation, both in urban and rural areas, in the ASEAN region in particular and in the world more generally, requiring the global community to support Sustainable Development Goals with a 2030 perspective.
  2. Realizethat theglobalandregional realitiesof (un)sustainable development demand more critical analysis, reflection and understanding,which in turn calls for an improvement in the stateof knowledge and disciplines of Social and Sustainability Sciences – that primarily concern with social and environmental wellbeing in a world of economic growth and the consequent, increasing inequalities arising in new forms, both within and across countries.
  3. Acknowledge that there has been much public awareness and discussion of the new ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to be launched at the end of 2015 that is fast approaching, there is very little knowledge or critical reflection on social or environmental implications of the AEC, or the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community itself.
  4. Agree that there is an urgent need to collectively address our common concerns and, therefore, there is a need to formulate and articulate them together, and bring them to the attention of relevant policymakers and the broader ASEAN community.

In view of the above, we call upon:

  1. ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN University Network (AUN), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (RIHED), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as well as other regional or international organizations, to support more balancedand inclusive reflection, analysis and understanding of the ASEAN integration process.
  2. ASEAN Governments to collaborate with Social and Sustainability Scientists to assist and support in policy dialogue, analysis, formulation and implementation as well as the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of development plans and programs at the various geographical and administrative levels within countries and the ASEAN region.
  3. International donors,national and local banks, and other relevant stakeholders to better support Social and Sustainability Sciences while blendingand strengthening research capacities within and across all relevant fields and disciplines in the ASEAN region.
  4. All stakeholders and partners to:

a)Enhance the dialogue between science and society about the continuing contribution of Social and Sustainability Sciences to economic equality, social justice and environmental sustainability.