Meet ILO’s ‘Ambassadors for a Day’
Meet Tasha Sutivong and Chanokchon Piyawattanakul, ILO's 'Ambassadors for a Day,' as they explore the vital role of young women in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future while visiting the ILO to learn about its mission and work.
13 March 2025
The Ambassador for a Day initiative offers young Thais a unique opportunity to shadow diplomats and UN officials, gaining firsthand experience in diplomacy, international relations, and development. As part of the program, Tasha Sutivong, a senior at International Community School Bangkok, and Chanokchon Piyawattanakul, a 10th-grade student at Mahidol University International Demonstration School, visited the International Labour Organization (ILO) regional offices in Bangkok. There, they explored the ILO’s mission, engaged with its work, and took part in the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.
Tasha
What are you currently studying?
I am deeply engaged with subjects like technology and physics, which form part of my coursework. After high school, I plan to study operation research at university. I see it as a pathway to engineering, where research enables me to explore more abstract systems, which I find truly appealing.
What draws you to engineering?
I have always been fascinated by problem-solving, a passion that started in childhood when I constantly asked why things worked the way they did. Engineering, particularly through computer science, excites me because it offers creative ways to tackle challenges, which keeps me enthusiastic.
Are there barriers to women taking up a career in science?
There are many subtle stereotypes—like in movies, where you see people interested in math and technology, and girls are rarely depicted. Or, for example, the notion that girls play with dolls while boys play with Lego. Because of this, girls often don’t get much exposure to this field. Perhaps if they played with Legos or similar things as kids and received the right support, exposure, and encouragement, they might discover their interest earlier.
Chanokchon
What are your future plans?
At present, I’m not a fan of science—I find it complicated—but I believe I can excel in language, and this has sparked my passion for it. I’m eager to build on this foundation. After high school, I might choose to study communications or a related field at university. Careers like media work or translation appeal to me, as they would allow me to use my skills to connect ideas and cultures.
Can you share your feelings about attending the IWD 2025 convention during the Ambassador for a Day initiative?
I found the experience at the convention truly exciting. Walking into those grand halls, which I had only seen on television before, felt surreal. It was a great opportunity to witness people talking and sharing their ideas in person, which left a deep impression on me. Seeing how such events bring diverse perspectives together, especially at a special moment like IWD 2025, allowed me to witness many remarkable women shining brightly on the international stage.
Would you encourage others to take part?
I would absolutely encourage others to apply and participate. Through this initiative, you not only gain firsthand experience in an international intergovernmental organization, but you also meet many remarkable people, learning a variety of skills and understanding different perspectives. By visiting the International Labour Organization and shadowing Xiaoyan Qian, ILO Country Director for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR, for a day, we learned about the responsibilities and missions of the ILO, as well as the reality that many workers still lack the rights and protections they deserve. This is invaluable knowledge, and it has deepened my sense of social responsibility.
