The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), through its Office of International Affairs under the International Relations and Corporate Communication Division, in collaboration with East China Normal University (ECNU), People’s Republic of China, organized the 2nd International Debate Competition on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Room 1026, 10th Floor, Boonchana Atthakorn Building.
The opening ceremony was graciously presided over by Professor Tippawan Lorsuwannarat, Ph.D., President of NIDA, together with the university’s executives, including Associate Professor Sombat Kusumavalee, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic and International Affairs; Associate Professor Tatchawan Kanitpong Ph.D., Vice President for Planning and Community Engagement; Professor Wisakha Phoochinda Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Academic Services; Associate Professor Kasemsarn Chotchakornpant Ph.D., Vice President for Sikhio Campus; and Associate Professor Pattrawut Charoenroop Ph.D., Assistant to the President for International Affairs.
The event was further honored by the presence of Ms. Iwona Spytkowski, Representative of the United Nations (UN), and Ms. Wasinee Noppakunthong, Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Both distinguished guests underscored the crucial message that sustainable development is a shared responsibility among the public sector, private sector, and civil society.
This year, eight teams competed in the final round, comprising:
- Four teams from Thailand: three teams from NIDA and one team from HCU.
- Four international teams: two teams from East China Normal University (ECNU), one from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), and one from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
With participants representing more than ten countries worldwide, the competition truly reflected the spirit of international collaboration.
The panel of distinguished judges included experts from ECNU, SUFE, HCU, and NIDA, along with representatives from Fulbright Thailand and the British Council Thailand, ensuring a balanced evaluation that combined academic expertise with international perspectives.
Throughout the debates, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on contemporary issues related to sustainable development, such as:
- The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI): opportunity for sustainable development or a threat to human labor?
- AI in medicine: improving healthcare quality or jeopardizing patient safety?
- Achieving educational equity: dependent on digital learning rather than traditional classroom teaching?
- Ending global hunger: reducing food loss versus increasing agricultural production?
- Innovations in public health: prioritizing accessibility over technological advancement?
- The future of sustainable development: reliant on international cooperation or local community initiatives?
- Globalization: fostering economic vulnerability or enhancing stability?
- Investing in AI education: greater societal benefit compared to traditional STEM fields?
In the afternoon, the semi-final and final rounds commenced with a warm welcoming address by Associate Professor Juree Vichit-Vadakan, Ph.D., Chairperson of the NIDA Council, who encouraged and inspired participants at this crucial stage of the competition.
Following a series of intense debates, the results were announced, with HCU emerging as the Champion, while the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)claimed both the First Runner-up and the Second Runner-up positions.
This competition not only showcased the intellectual creativity and analytical strength of young debaters, but also highlighted fresh perspectives shaped by diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Ultimately, it served as an important source of inspiration in driving international cooperation to address global challenges in sustainable development.
