ESCAP hosted the opening ceremony of the 20th “Art for All” Camp on 15 July 2016 at the UNCC, Bangkok. The camp, annually organized by the Art for All Foundation, provides a platform for approximately 150 Thai students with disabilities to enhance their creativity and build their confidence in developing themselves in society.
This year, the camp was organized under the theme: “Art for All ASEAN: All for Our Beloved King”. The ceremony was presided over by Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Government of Thailand. Mr. Kaveh Zahedi, Deputy Executive Secretary for Sustainable Development, delivered a welcome statement on behalf of ESCAP, in which he highlighted the Art for All camp’s potential to foster creativity and empowerment; the role of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals in promoting and supporting participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities to ensure no-one is left behind; and role of the children in inspiring others through demonstrating the contributions that persons with disabilities can make to the world.
Furthermore, Professor Channarong Pornrungroj, President of the Art for All Foundation, and Mr. Torpong Selanon, President of the Thailand Association of the Blind, both delivered statements. The ceremony included a brass band and Khon performance, and a video presentation. Certificates were also presented to donors, Art for All Award recipients, and Art for All Scholarship recipients by Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.
Prior to the ceremony, the students toured ESCAP’s Accessibility Centre, through which they learned about ESCAP’s work on disability-inclusive development, and had the opportunity to test out the numerous support devices available in the Centre.
Photos from the event
