Under the Project “Voices from the Community to Mahidol: Inspiring Policy for Social Change towards Sustainable Development”
The Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, through the Interfaith Buddy Project, which had previously received funding from Mahidol University’s Social Policy Initiative in the fiscal years 2020 and 2023, organized a discussion panel titled “Driving Policy through Practical Wisdom: From Community to Policy” and a theater performance “Friends for Sustainable Chana” on March 3, 2025, at the Sarabua Conference Room, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus.
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Sittiwat Lertsiri, Vice President and Acting Director of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, delivered a welcome speech and offered words of encouragement to the young performers. Associate Professor Dr. Sompop Prathanturarug, Vice President for Strategic Planning, Quality Development, and Social Engagement, presented the project’s background and officially opened the event. The session was moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Padtheera Narkurairattana, Acting Deputy Director for Administration of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University.
Additionally, several distinguished guests attended the event, including Lieutenant General Sitti Trakulwong, Deputy Inspector General of the Internal Security Operations Command; Associate Professor Dr. Nuntiya Doungphummes, Director of the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, Mahidol University; and Associate Professor Dr. Permsak Makrapirom, a former faculty member of the Institute.
One of the key outcomes of the Interfaith Friendship Project in fostering sustainable peace from grassroots communities was the “Friends for Sustainable Chana” theater performance. This performance, led by youth and community members from the project, had previously been showcased at the National Conference on Intellectual Well-being or the Soul Connect Fest, held from March 1-2, 2025, at Samyan Mitrtown Hall under the theme “Spiritual Well-being in Action (Chana): The Art and Spirit of Interfaith Buddy for Peace.” The performance was staged again at Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, on March 3, 2025.
The discussion panel “Driving Policy through Practical Wisdom: From Community to Policy” aimed to foster knowledge exchange within the Mahidol community, expand social policy initiatives, and demonstrate real-world impacts in guiding policies for societal development. This initiative connected local social transformation with global change through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, utilizing practical wisdom as a driving force.
