Select Page

9th Equity Initiative Annual Forum 2025 in Khon Kaen

Jan 23, 2025

9th Equity Initiative Annual Forum 2025 in Khon Kaen

Jan 23, 2025

Over 120 Equity Initiative (E.I.) Fellows from 12 countries came together in Khon Kaen, Thailand for the 9th E.I. Annual Forum. Much more than a gathering, it was a chance to reconnect, share experiences, and welcome the graduating 2024 Fellows into a growing regional community committed to equity.

The forum was a mix of learning, reflection, and collaboration. Site visits to hospitals, a self-care village, and a sustainable farm provided a look into local equity initiatives in action. A keynote by Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, a respected peace negotiator, sparked a deep discussion on navigating today’s regional challenges.

Fellows led sessions on pressing issues, from climate justice and disability inclusion to decolonising development and Mekong sub-region politics. One particularly powerful session, Bonfire of Failures, invited Fellows to explore resilience through poetry, storytelling, and shared experiences.

On the final day, the Open Space session created room for spontaneous discussions on mental health advocacy, AI in healthcare, and regional equity strategies. A fireside chat with leaders from the Atlantic Institute reinforced the value of cross-cohort collaboration.

The forum ended on a high note with the graduation of the 2024 E.I. Fellows, marked by a traditional Bai Sri blessing ceremony. With music, laughter, and renewed connections, a shared commitment to equity was reinforced and continues to grow with each new cohort.