Bangkok youth brought their ideas on inclusive electric mobility to the United Nations this week, as 17 student finalists of the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, a city-wide student competition, were recognized at an awards ceremony held on the sidelines of the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development.
The event marked the conclusion of the Empower E-Mobility Challenge, which was designed to bring youth-generated ideas into policy-relevant dialogue on Bangkok's transition to electric mobility.
Students submitted ideas ranging from accessible charging points, energy-producing tiles, bus stop redesign, and policies for workforce development. Over 50 submissions were received from 178 students across Bangkok.
At the awards ceremony on 27 February, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt underscored the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s commitment to involving young people as contributors to the city's electric mobility transition.
"The BMA has been actively advancing electric mobility initiatives to reduce emissions and improve accessibility," said Chadchart Sittipunt. "The Empower E-Mobility Challenge provided a platform for young people in Bangkok to imagine how electric mobility can better serve their communities."
Leveraging its regional expertise in sustainable transport, ESCAP is working in close collaboration with the BMA to strengthen transport policies and workforce development for electric mobility.
"The Empower E-Mobility Challenge highlights the transformative role young innovators play in driving a just transition to sustainable transport. Together with the BMA, we are demonstrating how local initiatives, supported by regional partnerships, can help shape a cleaner and more inclusive future," shared Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.
ESCAP is committed to provide a platform that empowers youth to engage in pressing global challenges. The UN regional commission is actively promoting the acceleration of the transition to electric mobility in public transport across the Asia-Pacific region under the umbrella of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Electric Mobility (APIEM), with the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector and supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The competition was supported by the Thailand-UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Country Programme that aims to help enhance capacity for climate action and urban sustainability in Bangkok, and thereby, reach Thailand's national targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"The UK is proud to support initiatives that enable young people to turn ideas into real-world impact. Through the Empower E Mobility Challenge, students in Bangkok are building the skills, confidence, and vision needed to lead the transition to cleaner, more inclusive urban mobility," expressed H.E. Mark Gooding OBE, British Ambassador to Thailand.
Alexander Rendell, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, highlighted the importance of youth engagement in advancing clean air and climate action.
"Electric mobility is not only about new vehicles or new technologies - it is about cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer climate future. It is inspiring to see young people contributing practical ideas that can help shape Bangkok's transition toward more sustainable transport," shared the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador.
The competition was also supported by a range of private sector sponsors, including Thai Smile Bus, MuvMi, Energy Absolute, the Water Taxi Company and Candela. Finalist teams participated in work-shadowing opportunities with these companies, helping students to learn more about electric mobility and related career pathways.
"Through [joining the Empower E-Mobility Challenge], I have clearly seen that electric mobility is not just about technology but is an essential part of improving the quality of life for people in the city. It is also an important step for Bangkok toward a sustainable transport system in the future," shared Thattapat Panyaratana, a student from Yothinburina School who submitted a design for safer, smarter bus stations.
The competition is part of a wider project, 'Strengthening Transport Policies and Workforce Development for a Just Transition to Electric Mobility in Bangkok', implemented by ESCAP and the International Labour Organization, in partnership with the BMA. The project is focused on ensuring that the shift to electric mobility benefits all citizens. This includes the launch of specialized vocational training programs for automotive workers to equip them with the skills needed to safeguard their livelihoods.
