‘You Me We Us’ online exhibition invites the viewer to learn about people of various ethnic groups in Thailand through engaging stories, articles, photographs, and videos. Some exhibited works are products of interviews conducted with the subjects, while others have been produced by the subjects themselves.

A portion of the exhibited works can be attributed to a series of ‘Creative and Strategic Communication for Sustainability’ workshops organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the European Union (EU). Facilitated by Realframe, these workshops aimed to equip those from ethnic minorities with the necessary skills to communicate their stories to the world.

Realizing the participants’ power to convey their experiences and challenges through creative storytelling, UNDP created the ‘You Me We Us’ online exhibition to showcase them along with stories from partner organizations and the public. The exhibition will celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which takes place on August 9th each year.

‘You Me We Us’ encourages the viewer to learn more about diverse perspectives and the various challenges faced by minority populations, while also inspiring them to explore their own roots. Ultimately, this exhibition aims to foster a mindset which will contribute to an environment of mutual respect and equality for all.

‘You Me We Us’ is hosted by UNDP in partnership with the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC), the Inter Mountain Peoples Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT), and the Council of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand (CIPT), with support from the EU.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is commemorated on August 9th each year. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Leaving No One Behind: Indigenous Peoples and the Call for a New Social Contract.”

As indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities are often seen as marginalized, they are rarely consulted as contributing members of society, and are often left out of decision-making processes. However, in recent years, many countries have attempted to address this discrimination and lack of representation via public apologies, truth and reconciliation efforts, legislative reforms, and constitutional reforms that take the perspectives of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities into account.

The ‘New Social Contract’ aims to uphold the rights, dignities, and freedoms of all peoples through genuine participation and equal representation of minority voices. True reconciliation between marginalized groups and governing bodies cannot take place without the voluntary, authentic, and functional participation of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

Learn more at th.undp.org and Twitter/Facebook: @UNDPThailand