EVENT: "Stakeholder Conference on Transdisciplinary Approaches to Migration, Environmental Change, and Social Inequality" [21-22 June 2017]

09.00 - 17.00

Alumni Meeting Room, 12th Floor, Building 3,

Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Co-Organized By: The Master of Arts Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS),

Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), and

Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Background

Many contemporary development challenges in Southeast Asia are complex and inter-related, including environmental degradation; migration; and social inequality. To appropriately understand these challenges and identify novel insights and innovative solutions, transdisciplinary approaches are required. Not only does this therefore require new research methodologies and new skills for researchers and practitioners, but it also requires universities to develop new curriculum, teaching/ learning materials, and programs.

The Fostering Multi-Lateral Knowledge Networks of Transdisciplinary Studies to Tackle Global Challenges KNOTS project aims to contribute towards meeting this challenge. The three-year project was initiated in October 2016, and is a collaboration between seven universities in Europe, Thailand and Vietnam: the University of Vienna, Austria, which is also the project coordinator; Charles University, Czechia; University of Bonn, Germany; Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University, Thailand; and Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Southern Institute of Social Sciences, and Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Vietnam. The project is funded by the European Commission’s ERASMUS+ programme.

Event objectives

The objectives of the Stakeholder Workshop are as follows:

·        To deepen understanding on development challenges in Southeast Asia as viewed through a transdisciplinary lens, focusing on environmental degradation; migration; and social inequality

·        To inform KNOTS project design towards establishing innovative teaching methodologies with contribution from academics and non-academic stakeholders in Southeast Asia

·        To contribute towards establishing a “transdisciplinary knowledge network” on Southeast Asia

Agenda

Wednesday 21 June, 2017

9:00 – 9:20                  Opening remarks

Assistant Professor Dr.Nunghatai Rangponsumrit, Assistant to the President for Research, Development and Innovation (Social Sciences and Humanities), Chulalongkorn University

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ake Tangsupvattana, Dean of Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

9:20 – 10:00                Keynote address

“The need for transdisciplinary studies: Towards transforming a challenging world” by Emeritus Professor Surichai Wun’gaeo

10:00 – 10:30              Coffee break

10:30 – 12:15                 “Migration and transdisciplinary perspectives”

Academic perspective: Emeritus Professor Dr. Supang Chantavanich

Civil society perspective: Sompong Srakaew, Labour Protection Network

Educators perspective: Dr. Laddawan Tantivitayapitak, DEAR Burma

Chair: Assistant Professor Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, MA in International Development Studies program, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Discussant: KNOTS partner

12:15 – 13:15              Lunch

13:15 – 15:00              Social inequality and transdisciplinary perspectives

Academic perspective: Dr.Sayamol Charoenratana, CUSRI

Civil society perspective: Poonsub Suanmuang Tulaphan, Homenet  

International organization perspective: Representative from FES

Chair: Assistant Professor Dr. Sukanda Lewis, Institute of Asia Studies, Chulalongkorn University

Discussant: KNOTS partner

15:00 – 15:30              Coffee

15:30 – 17:00              Panel discussion on “Bringing transdisciplinary thinking into Higher Education”

Representative from KNOTS partners

Assistant Professor Dr. Wasana Wongsurawat, Thai Studies Program, Faculty of Arts,     Chulalongkorn University

Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO

Chair: Assistant Professor Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon

Thursday 22 June, 2017

9:00 – 10:45                Environment and transdisciplinary perspectives                       

Academic perspective: Dr. Soimart Rungmanee, Thammasat University

Civil society perspective: Pianporn Deetes (International Rivers) 

International organization perspective: Dr. Babette Resurrecion (SEI)

Chair: Assistant Professor Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon

Discussant: KNOTS partner

10:45 – 11:15              Coffee break

11:15 – 12:30                 Linking transdisciplinary themes together…  and making it policy relevant

“Flooding and migration in Southeast Asia” Assistant Professor Dr. Carl Middleton

“Migration and development” Professor Dr. Petra Dannecker                            

“The need for transdisciplinary perspectives in ASEAN policy” Apichai Sunchindah

Chair: Emeritus Professor Dr. Supang Chantavanich

12:30 – 13:30              Lunch

13:30 – 15:00              Roundtable discussion and reflections amongst KNOTS partners

One representative from each KNOTS partner institution

Chair: Emeritus Professor Surichai Wun'gaeo                          

15:00 – 15:30                 Concluding remarks

Professor Dr. Petra Dannecker, Department of Development Studies, University of Vienna

Assistant Professor Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University