Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Executive Director of the TIJ, said the institute places tremendous importance on fostering an understanding of the rule of law, as the TIJ believes that knowledge can effectively connect people in a network of change makers who can bring about constructive reforms. The objective of the RoLD Executive Program, a unique collaboration between the TIJ and the IGLP, is to promote the effective application of the rule of law to end inequality and injustice in society. This forms the basis of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 and 17.
"The RoLD Executive Program will be a center for emerging leaders and executives of various professions in the public and private sectors, as well as civil society and academics, to share knowledge and information to seek an approach to promote the rule of law in their respective fields. The Thailand 4.0 strategy relies on new engines of growth, driven by the rule of law, which require collective action from all parties to reduce inequalities and conflicts," said Prof. Dr. Kittipong.
The recently-launched second RoLD Program welcomed guests from numerous professional circles as well as participants came from the first batch of the program who shared their experiences on how RoLD leads the way, along with their perspectives on being part of a network of change makers who are working for a sustainable Thailand. Special guests and promising executives joining the launch session included lawyers, academics, economists, investors, businessmen, doctors, military officers, and the media.
The second RoLD Program launch session also included a special keynote address by Mr. Scott Jacobs, Managing Director of Jacobs, Cordova & Associates, who shared his research on the "Current Assessment of Good Regulatory Practices in APEC Economies: Implications for Thailand." The case for APEC countries showed that there have been regulatory reforms (or a "regulatory guillotine") to support and facilitate businesses, which have positively affected production and employment, and led to the country's growth and a better quality of living.
"The regulatory guillotine will not only affect related legal contexts, but the changed legal framework will also facilitate businesses in moving forward and adopting innovation. Consequently, it will support economic expansion and eventually improve people's quality of life. Therefore, Thailand may need to further review its laws and determine whether they are fully supporting the country and leading to sustainability, or what they would be leading to," said Mr. Jacobs.
Activities under the RoLD Program are comprised of the following:
1. RoLD Executive Program: A five-month program for leaders and executives from the public and private sectors, and civil society, focusing on the role of the rule of law in various aspects of development.
2. TIJ Workshop for Emerging Leaders on the Rule of Law and Policy: A one-week workshop for emerging Thai and international leaders to share views and experiences guided by the globally-accepted standards and network of Harvard scholars and experts. Participants in the RoLD Executive Program will be shortlisted to take part in this workshop.
3. RoLD in Action: The material outcome following the initiatives in the RoLD Executive Program are transformed into an in-depth field study to understand real situations, their causes, and possible solutions.
4. TIJ Public Forum on the Rule of Law and Sustainable Development: An open forum available for all parties to take part. It is led by experts and professionals in related fields who will share their perspectives, and connect the rule of law with sustainable development. Case studies from "RoLD in Action" will be considered for public presentation at the forum.
The second class of the RoLD Program will accept applications until 31 October 2017. Three pre-sessions will take place during November to December 2017, while the course will be held every Thursday from 17:30 until 20:30 from February to June 2018. The course will include domestic and overseas study tours. Interested persons can visit www.tijrold.org for more details, or call 02 118 9400 ext. 203, 213, or email [email protected]