Author: Setthawut Thongmee
Affiliation: National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand
Country: Thailand
Title: Astronomy Diplomacy for Inclusion: towards Sustainable Development Goals
The author will talk about the contributions astronomy has towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in different contexts and aspects. It aims for a more inclusive environment in astronomy communication and education methods to different target groups in nationals, age, gender, cultural backgrounds and disabilities. By tackling into each Goal for inclusion, it provides the implementation and best practices to challenge the modern obstacles in promoting science diplomacy in astronomy. As it cuts across national boundaries and regions, astronomy communication provides international platforms for creative discussions among those working in and out of the scientific fields to contribute to the development through their works related in astronomy.
The talk breaks down in details focusing on key areas such as SDG 5 – Gender Equality, where Thailand holds the outstanding statistics in ‘Women in Astronomy’. SDG 4 – Quality Education, which is the core values of the ‘International Training Centre in Astronomy under the auspices of UNESCO’ – a Centre hosted by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand. Furthermore, with the alternative astronomy workshops for people with disabilities, visual and hearing impaired to have full access in their education. Decreasing educational gaps between countries and regions.
It will also elaborate on the enhancement between the Goals for the maximum outcome of such contributions from astronomy, which leads to the last Goal 17 – Partnership to achieve the Goal.