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Kasetsart University has long been active on the sustainable human development, in particular the women and development agenda since the very dawn of the United Nations Decade for Women, 1976-1985. Its first seminar on the Integration of Women in Development (1976) pave their ways to the highly successful collaborative women's programmes continuously. The University has served with tireless efforts as the critical linkage in collaboration with all the stakeholders in this gender development process. This includes NGO's policy makers, development practitioners, activists as well as development beneficiaries. As we are now entering into the new era of the next millenium, Kasetsart University contended that the Asia-Pacific Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century to be convened to provide a forum a Regional Forum for Women from all over Asia and pacific to join forces in the review and assessment of the implementation of BPFA and other important emerging issues. This event is co-convened by the Thai Women Watch in coordination with the Pan Pacific and Southeast Asia Women Association.
Thai Women Watch (TW2)
A group of Thai women who attended the NGO Forum on Women, Beijing'95, were encouraged by the meticulous preparation work, the effeictive lobbying and the high spirit of comradeship among the multi national paprticipants at the Forum. Soon after arriving back in Thailand fifteen NGO women joined handed in setting up a national network of women organization to be known as the Thai Women Watch (TW2)". The first meeting on March 26, 1996 decided for the group to monitor and evaluate activities by all concerned parties in promoting the advancement of women in Thailand. During the last 33 months, a series of Thai women forums were organized, twice in Bangkok and four other regions with more than 4,000 participants. One special workshop on "Future Search" was arranged for the outstanding leaders selected from the regional forums. With energetic support of the members, TW2 is looking forward to work extensively within Thailand and closely with Asia and Pacific sisters.
The Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women's Association International (PPSEAWA)
PPSEAWA is the only international women's organization devoted to peace and understanding in the Pacific and South East Asia.
PPSEAWA'S objectives are to strengthen the bonds of peace by fostering friendship and better understanding among women in all areas of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, to promote cooperation among women of these regions for the study and improvement of social, economic, and cultural conditions".
PPSEAWA members are kept informed through an International Bulletin, biannually published, and through the Newsletters of member organizations, PPSEAWA has consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (EDOSOC), with the privilege and responsibility of making its voice heard in international decision-making. The Association is represented at the United Nations in Yew York and Geneva, and at ESCAP, UNICEF, and UNESCO.
The Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women's Association in Thailand (PPSEAWAT)
Princess Wan Waidhayakorn, wife of Thai Foreign Minister, founded the association in 1959 and was elected the first President of the association. The objectives were to lead Thai women in promoting the activities of the United Nations, to assist in the development of the country and to join PPSEAWA sisters in other countries in Asia and the Pacific. Forty years after, PPSEAWAT has a long record of works in child development literacy project and close cooperation with PPSEAWA members in 19 countries, international friends, the Thai government and the United Nations agencies. PPSEAWA Thaialnd's application to the United Nations for consultative status was recently accepted. Thus a new horizon for PPSEAWA Thailand has arisen. This symposium will be the second time that the association has the honour to serve Asia-Pacific sisters as coordinator for the region. As NGO Focul Point in Asia-Pacific for the NGO Forum on Women, Beijing'95, PPSEAWAT built a strong network with NGOs with the same mission-sincere commitment in working for the advancement of women, gender equality, sustainable development and peace. PPSEAWAT members are looking forward to offering all participants to the symposium the spontenous Thai hospitality.
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