Youth Visions for Progress: Collaborative Paths to Sustainable Development at the APFSD Youth Forum 2024

Teacher trainer Si Thu Wai, whose early career journey has already been deeply informed by his firsthand experiences in Myanmar, is an example of dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)-to 'ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.' Raised in a community in which educational opportunities were scarce, Si Thu Wai recalls that his path to advocacy was fueled by his desire to make a difference.

Today, as an expert teacher trainer, Si Thu Wai continues to harness his passion for the transformative power of education as he works with teachers from diverse backgrounds to enhance their teaching methods. His many experiences have shown him the profound impact that proper training and quality resources can have on a teacher's capacity to nurture their students' full potential. Si Thu Wai believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity in education to ensure that all students have access to high-quality learning experiences, to address these challenges head-on, and to foster an environment in which every student can thrive.

As a representative of the Asia-Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) 2024, which was held in Bangkok from 15 to 17 February under the auspices of ESCAP, Si Thu Wai engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing his experiences with educational technology and sustainable materials research, particularly from his work in a sustainability-focused laboratory. He also gained valuable insights from the work of others in various fields, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, biogas and sustainable materials initiatives, and youth empowerment efforts. These discussions highlighted collective wisdom pertaining to the successful application of sustainable practices across different sectors, and illuminated the mutually enriching journey of learning about the innovative methods and projects of fellow participants who, like Si Thu Wai, are committed to making a positive impact.

One of the highlights of the Youth Forum for Si Thu Wai was engaging with Youth Climathon winners and focusing on sustainable construction materials, as well as taking part in a profound conversation on disability and inclusion rights with a visually impaired SDG 4 advocate from Nepal. These experiences underscored for Si Thu Wai the value of cross-disciplinary dialogue in advancing sustainable development goals, and reinforced in his mind the necessity of inclusive education, all attesting to the crucial role of youth advocacy in enhancing educational accessibility and sustainability.

Si Thu Wai envisions his future advocacy focusing on maximizing the benefits of integrating technology in education, while he concurrently promotes online safety and digital citizenship among teachers. His aim is to ensure that technological advancements in education serve all students, with a particular emphasis on supporting those in underprivileged areas. He advocates for a comprehensive education system that merges sustainability with digital literacy and inclusivity, thus offering holistic learning opportunities for all.

The forum spotlighted the regional youth call to action, which underscored the need to deeply incorporate sustainable development into educational programs. Si Thu Wai's envisioned approach seeks to enrich academic learning and cultivate global citizenship, aligning with initiatives aimed at creating well-informed and globally conscious individuals. The APFSD Youth Call to Action, emphasizing crucial SDGs for this year, reinforces the need for action. Despite progress in Asia and the Pacific, it's clear that no country in the region is on track to meet these goals by 2030, further highlighting the importance of our collective efforts.

Looking forward, Si Thu Wai's message to fellow young individuals and decision-makers features themes of empowerment and urgency. He emphasizes the transformative potential of collective action and innovation in education systems, advocating for a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

In advancing SDG 4 in Asia-Pacific, Si Thu Wai's work in conducting online teacher training sessions across Myanmar plays an important part in striving for inclusive and sustainable education. These efforts highlight the significance of collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector to support education initiatives that are both inclusive and sustainable. Si Thu Wai's contributions serve as a modest yet powerful example of how dedicated youth advocacy can play a pivotal role in ensuring access to quality education for everyone, thus fostering a more sustainable future.