Thai Red Cross Youth and Volunteer Bureau organized the Volunteer Development Project for 2026 under the theme “Building Peace together: TRC’s Youth Actions” from 29 April to 1 May 2026. A total of 58 youth leaders from across the country participated in the program. This project was implemented in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of youth volunteers and promote their active role in peacebuilding within communities and society, based on the concept of peace begins with oneself, through mutual understanding and respect for one another.
The opening ceremony, held on 29 April 2026, was presided over by Dr. Apichart Chinwanno, Thai Red Cross Assistant Secretary General for International Affairs. The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Pinij Kullavanijaya, Assistant Secretary General; Ms. Sunanta Sornanusin, Director of the Youth and Volunteer Bureau; Mr. Jürg Montani, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation in Bangkok; and Mr. Elkhan Rahimov, Head of the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam.
During the program, participating youths learnt about the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its Fundamental Principles, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and the proper use of the Red Cross emblem. The training also focused on the responsible and constructive use of social media, including personal data protection, media and information literacy related to misinformation and disinformation, and preventing hate speech online.
In addition, the youths took part in workshops to develop project ideas or initiatives aimed at promoting peace in society. They also joined a panel discussion with experienced speakers in the fields of international humanitarian work, peace promotion, and IHL, including Ms. Thanida Menasavet, Director of the Social Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Colonel Satit Manopinivej, Head of the Education Division, Judge Advocate General’s School, Ministry of Defence; and Mr. Arnont Cherngchawano, Director of the International Affairs Office, Thai Red Cross Society.
