From October 13 to 17, 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaturaporn Sihabut, lecturer in the Business Administration Program, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, attended and presented research at the AIUTA International Conference on Lifelong Learning for Older Adults, held at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

The conference was organized by AIUTA (International Association of Universities of the Third Age) in collaboration with the Association of Universities of the Third Age of the Czech Republic, Charles University, and the Hussite Theological Faculty of Charles University. It focused on the role of universities as key institutions supporting Universities of the Third Age (U3A) initiatives.

Key topics discussed included the degree of exclusivity in senior education, the integration between regular university curricula and U3A programs, the economic relationships between universities and U3As, and the potential to adapt senior education models to other educational institutions beyond universities.

This international conference served as a platform for academic knowledge exchange among global scholars in response to the worldwide trend of an increasing elderly population. By 2030, people aged 60 and above are projected to account for nearly one-sixth of the world’s population, or approximately 1.4 billion, underscoring the importance of developing inclusive and sustainable lifelong learning systems.

During the event, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaturaporn presented her paper titled “Third Age Learners through a Green Market Initiative: A Case Study from Khon Kaen University, Thailand.” The presentation introduced an innovative model that promotes lifelong learning among older adults through informal learning spaces combining sustainability, community participation, and practical lifelong learning.

Her participation reflected Khon Kaen University’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning, sustainable development, and international academic collaboration — aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model.