SHAPE-SEA Inception Workshop Kicks Off to Advance Gender, Human Rights, Peace, and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia
Bangkok, Thailand – March 4, 2025 – Today marks the commencement of the inception workshop for SHAPE-SEA’s 2025 Thematic Study, Charting Progress: Gender, Human Rights, Peace, and Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia. The one-day high-level roundtable brings together 15 esteemed experts from across the region to engage in critical discussions that will shape the study’s research framework and strategic direction.
Organized in collaboration with the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University (IHRP/MU) and the Gender and Development Studies Program, Asian Institute of Technology (GDS/AIT), the workshop aims to refine key research priorities, identify gaps in existing studies, and promote regional collaboration on pressing socio-political challenges. As such, the Thematic Study Publication 2024-2025 will critically analyze the intersection of gender, development, human rights, and peace in Southeast Asia. Aligned with SHAPE-SEA’s commitment to gender equality and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, this year’s theme has been carefully chosen and the co-creation of study will be guided by regional experts.
“The inception workshop sets the stage for impactful research on gender, human rights, peace, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Bringing together thought leaders and advocates, it will co-develop this year’s thematic study, define research sub-themes, and establish a collaborative vision and roadmap for policy engagement,” said SHAPE-SEA Executive Director Dr. Vachararutai Boontinand.
Moreover, SHAPE-SEA representatives, regional experts, and institutional partners from IHRP/MU and GDS/AIT will work together to synthesize existing research and bridge knowledge gaps that hinder progress in the region.
Following the workshop, SHAPE-SEA and its partners will develop a comprehensive research plan to guide the execution of the 2025 Thematic Study. This includes forming collaborative research teams, appointing lead researchers, and setting clear milestones for research outputs. Findings from the study will be disseminated through policy briefs, academic journals, and practical toolkits, ensuring that knowledge generated translates into concrete policy recommendations, capacity-building initiatives, and advocacy strategies.
Stay tuned for updates as we develop the Thematic Study 2024-2025!
–
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
Of course, we also want to hear your voice—your insights and recommendations will help us shape the research framework, define sub-themes, and explore policy linkages for the Thematic Study 2025!
✍️ SHARE YOUR INSIGHTS HERE: https://form.jotform.com/250578629080463
