Bangkok: In August 2025, United Nations (UN) personnel in Thailand participated in small-group trainings focused on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). The sessions, organized by the UN Country Teams inter-agency PSEA Task Force, were part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing awareness, strengthening accountability, and ensuring a safe workplace environment.
According to UN Women, the initiative pooled resources from entities such as the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Resident Coordinators Office in Thailand under a One UN approach. This collaborative effort emphasized the shared responsibility of safeguarding affected populations.
The training sessions were conducted without recording to encourage active discussion. A special session was organized by the Resident Coordinator for Heads of Agencies, and a training-of-trainers session aimed at equipping focal points and human resources officers with the necessary skills to disseminate the learning within their respective agencies.
The training also clarified reporting mechanisms for participants. "I was not familiar with the mechanisms or clear about the focal points," said Ladawan Pitipala, Senior Staff Assistant at ESCAP. "Now I know where to turn." For many, the training underscored the personal responsibility involved. "Adopting PSEA is not only about compliance with regulations, it is about humanity," stated Pipat Poopeerasupong, Programme Management Officer at the UN Environment Programme. "We all have a responsibility to observe and report potential misconduct."
The UNCT PSEA Task Force, established in 2020, includes focal points from across the UN system in Thailand to coordinate policy, share expertise, and uphold standards on prevention and response. The annual PSEA training in Bangkok is part of the Task Force's Action Plan, with UN Women serving as Chair.
Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific and Representative to the Kingdom of Thailand, noted that inter-agency trainings demonstrate how collective efforts can bolster a culture of respect and accountability. They empower staff to act in line with a survivor-centered approach.
"Our aim is to strengthen awareness among personnel, ensure clarity on UN rules, and build confidence to respond appropriately if misconduct is observed or experienced," said Iwona Spytkowski, Head of the UN Resident Coordinators Office in Thailand and PSEA Coordinator. "Regular training ensures that all personnel, regardless of contract type or function, are equipped to recognize, prevent and respond appropriately."
With over 40 UN entities based in Bangkok and thousands of delegates visiting annually, Thailand hosts one of the largest UN presences in Asia. The Task Force plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent standards of conduct across this expansive system.