Technical cooperation among developing countries
In addition to economic growth and increased social spending, Thailand’s rapid development over the past 20 years has also produced a wealth of valuable experience. By sharing this experience, other countries in the region can learn from Thailand’s development programmes and progress toward meeting child rights. At the same time, professionals in Thailand can learn from increased collaboration with their equivalents abroad. Many of Thailand’s neighbours face similar challenges, such as the quality and accessibility of education, the need to improve water and sanitation facilities and long-standing resistance to the idea of a child’s right to participation and freedom of expression. Many social, cultural, religious and other factors that affect the success of interventions on behalf of children are also similar in different countries in the region. In addition, some issues affecting children are regional or even global in scope, and require cooperation between officials and development practitioners in different countries. HIV/AIDS, for example, does not respect international borders, and if communities are to be protected, action will have to be taken to prevent the trafficking and sexual exploitation of young girls and boys into Thailand from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries programme aims to facilitate the sharing of development experience in Asia and the Pacific, particularly for issues affecting the wellbeing of women and children. Established in 1999 by UNICEF and the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency, the programme brings together development professionals from across the region to study in Thailand on two-week courses. Participants are nominated by government agencies or UNICEF and other UN offices in Asia. They are selected from among development practitioners who will be able to use the knowledge and skills they gain to achieve real benefits for children.
Key facts • Thailand is a regional leader in addressing many challenges common to children across East Asia and the Pacific
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