Regional forum brings together multi-sectoral networks to elevate local volunteer management systems in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) demonstrated its commitment to public participation in sustainable social development by co-hosting a stakeholder consultation forum on local volunteer management. Held under the theme “Elevating Voluntarism into Policy Mechanisms,” the event provided a collaborative space for exchanging insights and designing framework strategies for volunteer systems to meet the future demands of national development.
The consultation was organised as part of the “Regional Forum for Designing Mechanisms, Structures, and Policy Proposals on Voluntarism According to Local Contexts” project, driven collaboratively by the Department of Social Development and Welfare through the Office of the National Committee for Social Welfare Promotion, SDG Move of Thammasat University, and KKU. The event brought together representatives from the public sector, private sector, civil society, academic institutions, and volunteer networks across the north-eastern region of Thailand at Meeting Room 5, Main Administration Building, Khon Kaen University Science Park, on 23 June 2026.
Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University
Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony. In her remarks, Prof. Boonmars stressed the importance of transforming voluntarism into a meaningful mechanism for social development. She said that building strong multi-sectoral partnerships ensures that volunteer operations are structurally strengthened, capable of addressing specific local needs effectively, and scalable into measurable outcomes at the national level.
Throughout the session, participants actively brainstormed and exchanged experiences drawn from diverse volunteering contexts. The primary focus centred on designing efficient support mechanisms that align with distinct local realities while systematically linking operations across various agencies. Additionally, the forum addressed strategic guidelines for developing volunteer databases, establishing monitoring and evaluation systems, and advancing actionable policy proposals. These measures are designed to integrate volunteering into transparent, high-impact, and long-term social development processes.
This forum highlights the role of voluntarism as a vehicle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alongside encouraging civic engagement in resolving social issues, volunteering can empower communities, reduce inequalities, and improve the overall quality of life. KKU’s involvement reflects the role of higher education institutions as centres for knowledge generation, network integration, and public policy support, drawing on academic expertise, research, and innovation to contribute to sustainable development.
This initiative directly aligns with three Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through the multi-sectoral integration of public, private, academic, and civil society sectors; SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), by promoting inclusive civic participation and transparent policy-led mechanisms; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), supporting local communities through regional volunteer networks and localised cooperation.
