TIJ launched the 5th TIJ-IGLP International Workshop
“Covid-19 situation has put the world and the younger generations at an unprecedented challenging position. It also caused multiple socioeconomic and political issues. At the same time, however, these challenges are the stimulants for new leaders to consider, analyze and build a “Better World” where social equality, accessibility and not being left behind are part of the reality.”, said Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittiyarak, President of the Executive Programme on the Rule of Law and Development and Special Consultant of TIJ, during the delivery of his opening remarks in TIJ-IGLP International Workshop.
Thailand Institute of Justice or TIJ believes that participation from all sectors will bring about the broad-based stakeholders’ approach for the solution of today’s social problems. Such participation can also generate innovation for justice to solve the problems in the judicial process and in other developmental areas. With its foundation on the principles of the Rule of Law which is integrated in every dimension of the society, innovation for justice can build a society where the Rule of Law can be part of, bringing about sustainable development for the society itself.
TIJ organized the 2022 TIJ-IGLP International Workshop for new generations of leaders focusing on the Rule of Law and policies. This Workshop is the brainchild of TIJ and the Institute for Global Law and Policy (IGLP), Harvard Law School, the United States of America which has been offered continuously since 2017. The Workshop aims to be a platform where new global leaders can meet, exchange, and learn about ways to solve the existing and future problems of society. In this Workshop, world-class lectures are delivered by reputable faculty members and distinguished experts from around the world within the IGLP network of Harvard Law School. This year, the Workshop has been joined by 46 participants, male and females in an equal proportion of 23 each, from 11 countries.
Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittiyarak highlighted that “The Rule of Law is the conscience of respecting human rights, non-discrimination, and recognition of mutual interests, as well as the efficiency and the legal process that is inclusively managed and operated by all sectors. This power can create a society with the Rule of Law, leading to efficient infrastructure and legal system. Similar to the protection of rights and interests of all units of the society, upholding of the Rule of Law also means strengthening the culture of legal compliance so that the members of the society can respect and be confident in the law.”
Mr. Nicholas Booth, representative of the United Nations Development Programme or UNDP, also delivered an online presentation on the topic of “Importance of the Rule of Law, Future Pathways to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals”. He explained that the Rule of Law has to fulfill human rights, aim to safeguard human rights, and shall not violate the rights of the people, as defined by the United Nations.
“The definition of the Rule of Law consists of, firstly, everybody is accountable to the laws. Secondly, the laws must be transparent. Laws shall be publicly promulgated and equally and independently enforced. Thirdly, the law shall be consistent with international principles and standards based on the foundation of human rights protection. Lastly, the laws shall promote inclusivity of the people, and no one shall be excluded. The rights to participate shall be vested in the people as a civil society.”, said Mr. Nicholas Booth.
He also provided that the Covid-19 pandemic has destabilized the confidence of the public in the states due to the promulgation of laws or policies that are inconsistent with the Rule of Law. Examples include the declaration of martial law without any public participation, the uneven, insufficient distribution of inaccurate information that affected the decision of the people regarding their vaccination, or even the implementation of economic policies which favor only certain groups of people, etc.
Dr. David Kenndy, the Director of IGLP, Harvard University also joined the opening ceremony of the TIJ-IGLP International Workshop. He shared that IGLP was established with the intention to transfer knowledge at the international level. It is also the intention to establish different practices and for IGLP to be the space where opinions and ideas can be shared and exchanged among the participants. This will encourage new and creative ways to implement laws and the Rule of Law. It is the hope of IGLP that the participants of this TIJ-IGLP International Workshop, co-developed with TIJ, will gain invaluable experiences from the faculty members and experts in this Workshop.
The Workshop is an intensive course consisting of Problem Labs based on the real-world experiences and case studies of the experts, and discussion groups for the exchange of ideas on solutions to interesting societal issues which shall be beneficial for the future. This includes issues on cyber security, access to justice, social disparity, anti-corruption, female empowerment, etc. The course also provides the principles of policy analytical tools which will strengthen the logical thinking skills and determination of solutions. The course will be carried out from May to June 2022.
