Our unique role lies in bringing fresh, creative approaches to climate communication. While climate issues are often perceived as complex or even boring, we make them engaging, relatable, and exciting. By doing so, we bridge the gap between technical knowledge and public understanding, ensuring climate education truly resonates with young people.

How do you define sustainable development?

We define sustainable development as a pathway where humans and the environment can thrive together in the long run. To achieve true growth, sustainability must be considered in every element of work, ensuring balance across social, environmental, and economic aspects.

Our generation is deeply concerned about community resilience and empowerment in the face of extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense. We see an urgent need to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to adapt and respond effectively. By building resilient communities, we prepare ourselves for unpredictable challenges while ensuring that no one is left behind.

What is your opinion on ASEAN’s role in advancing SDGs?

ASEAN, as a major regional body, plays a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Since member states share many common challenges, ASEAN can create collaborative models that are adaptable and replicable across the region. Through multi-stakeholder cooperation, ASEAN can help ensure good health, well-being, and sustainable futures for all citizens in the region.

What message would you like to send to policymakers?

We encourage policymakers to be more present on the ground and connect with grassroots movements, especially youth groups. Young people have immense potential to contribute beyond their age and deserve meaningful opportunities for active participation. Policies should be crafted in inclusive ways that foster a society where everyone plays a systematic role in achieving sustainable development.

Find out the Green Youth Impact report:  Green Youth Thailand Impact Report

Contact Green Youth Thailand: Green Youth Thailand | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

Meet the Founder of Green Youth Thailand

Benyapa Achariyakaroon (Opall), Thailand

Ms. Benyapa Achariyakaroon is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. She is the founder of Green Youth Thailand, a youth-led environmental organization that aims to create change through creative climate media and youth engagement in daily climate actions. Since 2022, her platform has reached over 50,000 people and involved more than 70 volunteers. She is also the initiator of the Youth Climate Circle, a network with over 200 youth leaders.

In addition to her role as founder and president, she is an innovator and member of Youthdee. She was awarded the Judges’ Choice Award at the Youth Climathon, a part of APFSD 2024, and was also selected as one of the 15 semi-finalists in the BeChangeMakers Program from 700 applications across 83 countries.

Her vibrant personality helps her foster meaningful worldwide connections, and she believes that collective global action is necessary to address climate change.

📘 ASEAN Complementarities Focus Areas