Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong-art Namwong, Chair of the Language Education Division and Chairperson of the TESOL International Program at the Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University, was honored as a Panel Speaker at the Global Conference on Education for a Sustainable Future (GCE 2026). Held under the theme “Transforming Education to Transform the World,” the conference took place at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok on February 11, 2026. This global event was organized by the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) in collaboration with international partners to drive educational reform that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to rapid global shifts.
During the panel session titled “Strengthening education systems for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Ong-art presented the concept of “Glocalization: Leave No One Behind.” He highlighted the challenges within the Thai context, particularly in the Northeast, where poverty and social barriers remain significant obstacles to quality education. He emphasized that educational sustainability is not just about expanding opportunities but creating “Meaningful Learning” that bridges international standards with the local realities of learners.
He identified “Teachers” as the primary agents of change who must undergo continuous professional and digital competency development to remain relevant in global crises. Furthermore, he called for a shared understanding among all stakeholders to align their roles toward a common goal. This process represents a shift in the learning ecosystem—from teacher-centered models to collaborative efforts aimed at developing high-quality human resources equipped for the future.
This participation underscores the role of educators in bridging field-based research with policy to address inequality. It serves as a vital call for sustainable educational reform, ensuring that every child has equitable access to high-quality learning, which is the key to driving society toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
