Renewed Commitments and New Beginnings

by Siripa Nan Intavichein

The year 2023 is an important one for Asia, especially among nations where elections will be taking place. I believe this will be a year of restoration. With the COVID-19 crisis behind us, tourism will drive the economies of the world. Exports will revert to levels they were at before. It is now time for us to return to the crisis of our generation: the global climate crisis, which we have consistently missed the mark on. Perhaps it is time to review our regional energy development plan. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping up with our growing energy needs. They provide an exciting avenue that could address our longstanding predicament.

This will be my final year as the chairperson of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats Youth. Two years of unavoidable circumstances have postponed our elections, but no more!

The past four years have been unforgettable for me. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this role. Being a part of CALD Youth has taught me a lot. It has been an honor to work with all of you and to lead this organization through its challenges and achievements. I’ve had the privilege of friendship with all of you and shared in your dream of democracy. Together, we have supported each other and overcame every trial we faced. Together, we have accomplished so much and I am proud of what we have achieved.

I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive and make an impact under the guidance of the incoming leadership. I want to already congratulate the new President of CALD Youth and extend a warm welcome to all new members.

I will always look back on my time as CALD Youth chairperson with fondness and appreciation. Whatever obstacles we face in the future, we will get through and win—for we are the future of our world.