The Power of Education in Ending Poverty - Sustainable Development Goals @ SDU

Suan Dusit University (SDU) recognizes that poverty is not merely an issue of income but a complex condition intertwined with economic, social, and quality-of-life factors. Solving this challenge requires an integrated effort among government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities. SDU has defined its role as a “social driving force”—not only producing graduates and generating knowledge, but also actively participating in policy development to help eradicate poverty in all its dimensions.

During the academic years 2024–2025, the university implemented numerous initiatives addressing poverty at local, national, and international levels, combining research, policy consultation, and cross-border cooperation to achieve tangible policy outcomes.

At the local level, the Lampang Education Center was appointed as an advisor for the Lampang Provincial Development Plan (2023–2027), a framework that integrates economic, social, and environmental priorities to reflect citizens’ needs in provincial planning. The center also leads the “Lampang Learning City” initiative in collaboration with local authorities and UNESCO’s Learning City framework to promote lifelong learning and inclusive community development.

At the national level, Suan Dusit Poll conducted a nationwide survey titled “Poverty, Debt, and Unemployment in Thailand”, gathering insights from affected groups to inform public policy. The survey results were published for public use as evidence-based data to support government decision-making on social welfare and poverty reduction.

Furthermore, SDU participated in the presentation of evaluation findings for the “2024 Economic Stimulation Program for Welfare Cardholders and Persons with Disabilities” organized by the Ministry of Finance. The evaluation analyzed beneficiaries’ spending behavior and satisfaction levels to improve future welfare schemes and poverty-alleviation measures.

At the international level, Suan Dusit University collaborated with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) under the Tri-party Thailand–Lao PDR–Luxembourg Cooperation. These projects focus on developing vocational and hospitality skills for Lao citizens to enhance human capital and reduce poverty in the Mekong region. SDU also organized IEP & IIP training programs for Lao teachers and education personnel to strengthen education quality and employment opportunities in neighboring countries

At the institutional level, SDU has implemented a policy to support disadvantaged groups, covering children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and students from vulnerable households. More than 15,000 beneficiaries receive support annually, demonstrating SDU’s commitment to equity and social justice within its community.

These initiatives show that education can serve as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation. At the local level, the integration of citizens’ needs into the Lampang Provincial Development Plan and the Lampang Learning City project has promoted inclusive development. At the national level, data from Suan Dusit Poll and policy evaluations have informed welfare and poverty-reduction strategies. At the international level, SDU’s collaboration with TICA and LuxDev has contributed to regional capacity-building and human resource development.

Looking ahead, Suan Dusit University aims to expand its advisory and research roles in policy development both regionally and internationally, to continue producing evidence-based data for government decision-making and to strengthen its internal policies for vulnerable groups. By bridging local insights with global collaboration, SDU demonstrates that “the power of education” is indeed a key mechanism to end poverty in all its dimensions, fully aligning with SDG 1.4.4 – Policy Addressing Poverty.

Reference

1.4.4