Phayao Partners with Shanghai and EEF to Foster International Collaboration, Driving the Learning City Network to Reduce Inequality

       BANGKOK, July 15, 2026 – The University of Phayao, in partnership with the Shanghai Municipal Institute for Lifelong Education (SMILE) and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, engaged in an intensive day of strategic international collaboration aimed at elevating education and promoting lifelong learning.

       Morning: Courtesy Call with OEC Executives

       The delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Assistant to the President of the University of Phayao, alongside Prof. Dr. Li Jiacheng, Executive Vice President of SMILE and representative from the Faculty of Education at East China Normal University (ECNU). They paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Education Council (OEC), where they were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit Erawawan, Secretary-General of the Education Council, and Dr. Niti Narchit, Deputy Secretary-General, to discuss national educational policy directions.

       Late Morning: Tripartite Strategic Meeting at EEF

       Following the morning visit, the delegation attended a collaborative meeting themed "Advancing Equitable and Lifelong Education Through Global Partnerships" at the San Phalang Meeting Room (12th Floor, EEF Headquarters). The session served as an organizational introduction and a preparation step toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This initiative aims to drive the Learning City Network to reduce educational inequality in Thailand and across international networks.

       The meeting was honored by the presence of Khunying Kasama Varavarn Na Ayudhaya, Executive Board Member of the EEF, and Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director of the EEF. Key EEF executives actively engaged in the exchange, including:

       Ms. Thantida Wongprasong (Director of the Office of Innovation for Learning Opportunities, who served as the meeting moderator)

       Ms. Varittha Kaewket (Head of Foreign Affairs and Policy Support)

       Ms. Pornwalai Supattanakij (Senior Academic Officer)

       Mr. Anan Vichitanan (Academic Officer)

       Representing the academic institutions, Assoc. Prof. Min Zhu, Principal Researcher for the ESD Program at SMILE, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raksit Sutthipong, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Phayao, presented a jointly developed strategic operational roadmap.

       Afternoon: Global Engagement at UNESCO Bangkok

       In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to UNESCO Bangkok to present the strategic concept of the "Shanghai-Thailand Consortium," outlining long-term collaborative goals. The delegation held discussions with UNESCO specialists, including:

       Ms. Jenelle Babb (Regional Advisor, Education for Health and Well-being)

       Mr. Worapot Yodpet (Associate Project Officer, Education for Health and Well-being)

       Ms. Sowirin Chuanprapun (Project Officer, Equitable Education and Lifelong Learning)

       Mr. Papol Dhutikraikriang (Associate Project Officer, Equitable Education and Lifelong Learning)

       Mr. Dean Chen (Programme Specialist, Higher Education, TVET, and Digital Transformation)

       Strategic Vision: Shanghai-Thailand Consortium (2026–2029)

       The proposed roadmap for the Shanghai-Thailand Consortium spans from 2026 to 2029, encompassing key milestones such as:

       The signing of a tripartite MOU.

       Developing key indicators for schools and disadvantaged children in 7 pilot cities.

       Launching Sister City / Sister School Hackathons.

       Establishing a City Ambassador Course to co-create sustainable models for lifelong learning and elderly health management between Thailand and Shanghai.