Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs (International Program) at Khon Kaen University is deeply interwoven with the principles of sustainable development. The curriculum's philosophy emphasizes producing graduates who understand contemporary global challenges and can contribute to national development and sustainable practices. With a dedicated major in International Development, the program directly addresses the core tenets of the SDGs. Courses focusing on international organizations, global governance, human rights, and international law create a strong foundation for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The program fosters a global perspective, essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by analyzing international cooperation and the roles of various global actors. It explicitly tackles issues of inequality, cultural diversity, and social development, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). By studying global economic development, public policy, and entrepreneurship, the curriculum supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). As an advanced academic program, it is a direct contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education), preparing students to be responsible and effective global citizens.
Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs (International Program) has positioned itself as a key mechanism in producing "Diplomats for Sustainability" and international affairs experts with an in-depth understanding of complex global issues, to enhance Khon Kaen University's potential as a leader in international cooperation.
This curriculum activity aims to solve the challenges of building cross-cultural understanding and coping with transnational crises by integrating learning with real experience through the Global Citizenship Education strategy. This emphasizes the application of knowledge from key courses such as Politics and International Relations, International Law and Ethics, and Sustainable Development and Global Issues to develop the ability to analyze, synthesize, and present solutions through international forums.
The evident result is the tangible creation of academic cooperation networks and student/personnel exchange with leading global institutions, such as Cork Institute of Technology and EWHA Womans University, which continuously expands the scope of academic services and joint research to the international stage. This led to the sustainable impact of elevating the country's capacity in negotiation and creating foreign policy that considers the sustainability dimension, and producing personnel who can serve as a bridge toward cooperation for development at the regional level.
This curriculum is therefore highly strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on driving SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the creation of international cooperation networks to support sustainability, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing quality global education with a broad scope of learning, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by cultivating leaders with skills in negotiation and establishing international governance.
Best Practices
Project: Special Lecture on the topic "The Goal of Peace Call of President John F. Kennedy"
Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs (International Program) at Khon Kaen University promotes sustainable development through hosting an online lecture called "The Goal of Peace Call of President John F. Kennedy" on December 21, 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00. The lecture is part of the International Law course at the International College. The goal of this program is to give students a full understanding of the Peace Corps (America Peace Unit), which was started by President John F.Kennedy in 1961 to promote international peace and understanding through community development, education, and cultural interaction.
Through this engagement, students learned to integrate principles of international legal frameworks with social mechanisms to communicate peace. They also learned about the legal framework that supports the work of international peace organizations and studying case studies of how legal principles can be used to solve conflicts and build international cooperation. The session gave participants a thorough look at how to use legal and diplomatic mechanisms to promote global peace, developed analytical and legal reasoning skills for international relations, which will help them use this information in the future jobs in international relations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international agencies.
This activity clearly helps SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by working toward Target 16.1 to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related deaths rates, and Target 16.a to strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for preventing violence and fight terrorism and crime, through the study and practice of legal and diplomatic mechanisms for peace. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education by providing education that promotes knowledge of international law, human rights, and a culture of peace. This helps people develop the analytical thinking and intercultural understanding necessary for global citizens in the 21st century.
KKUIC-IA : Youth as Changemakers: Achieving SDG 16 for Peace and Justice
Khon Kaen University helped move sustainable development forward through the project "KKUIC-IA: Youth as Changemakers: Achieving SDG 16 for Peace and Justice", on 9 May 2025, from 08:00 to 16:30 at Room M301 of Basic Skills Development and Collaborative Learning Building. The event was organized by the International College under the Seminar course of the International Affairs program, to raise awareness of SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions especially by empowering youth as changemakers.
The activity was designed for high school students in Khon Kaen Province (English Program), fourth-year International Affairs students, and students of International Relations from other universities in Thailand. Through a series of academic activities demonstrating student potential, expert lectures, panel discussions, and workshops activities. The project fostered the development of youth leadership and critical thinking on global issues.
As a result, participating youth and students gained in-depth knowledge of the challenges related to peace and justice in the current global context, enhanced their analytical skills in international affairs, and established collaborative networks among educational institutions. This initiative directly aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, especially Target 16.7, which seeks to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels by cultivating youth leaders with a strong commitment to peace and justice.
The project also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing education that enhances knowledge of sustainable development, human rights, and a culture of peace. It also develops necessary skills for global citizenship and strengthens inter-institutional cooperation among academic institutions to improve the quality and sustainability of international education.
SDG 1: No PovertyAlignment Summary: The curriculum provides a strong foundation for understanding the multidimensional nature of poverty. Through the International Development major, students analyze the root causes of poverty and study the policies and strategies aimed at its eradication, including economic development, foreign aid, and the role of international cooperation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Directly addresses poverty eradication as a key contemporary issue, aligning with the goal of ending poverty in all its forms everywhere (Targets 1.1 & 1.2). |
| IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Teaches economic strategies and policies aimed at promoting growth in developing nations, which is essential for mobilizing resources for poverty reduction (Target 1.A). |
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a bachelor's degree program, the curriculum inherently provides quality tertiary education. It focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for meaningful employment and lifelong learning. The program's content on global citizenship and sustainable development directly supports the educational aims of the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 203 007 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Equips students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment and further education (Target 4.4). |
| IC 204 796 / IC 244 796 | Internship in International Relations / Development | Provides students with practical and professional skills for employment, enhancing their transition into the workforce and promoting lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
| IC 011 014 | Citizenship and Democratic Society | Fosters the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development and global citizenship (Target 4.7). |
SDG 5: Gender EqualityAlignment Summary: The program addresses gender equality as a core component of international development and human rights. Students study the systemic barriers to gender equality and explore policies and movements aimed at empowering women and girls globally.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Explicitly addresses gender inequality and the empowerment of women as a critical topic in global development, aligning with targets to end discrimination and ensure full participation (Target 5.1 & 5.5). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum equips students with a deep understanding of the global economy, trade policies, and development strategies. It fosters skills in entrepreneurship and management, preparing graduates to contribute to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 201 002 | Principles of Economics | Provides knowledge of economic systems and policies that promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth (Target 8.1). |
| IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Directly addresses policies and strategies for achieving higher levels of economic productivity and sustained growth (Target 8.2). |
| IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Fosters entrepreneurship and creativity for new venture creation, contributing to economic diversification and job creation (Target 8.3). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: This program promotes an understanding of the role of innovation and technology in global development. Courses on entrepreneurship and the application of technology encourage students to develop creative solutions to societal challenges, thereby fostering innovation and supporting sustainable industrialization.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Promotes entrepreneurship, a key driver of innovation and the development of sustainable industries (Target 9.2 & 9.3). |
| IC 011 017 | Science and Technology Application for Life | Enhances scientific literacy and the application of technology, which are crucial for upgrading technological capabilities and fostering innovation (Target 9.5). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: A central theme of the program is the analysis of inequalities both within and among countries. Students study the political, economic, and social dimensions of inequality and are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, promoting principles of inclusion and equity.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 011 | Cultural Diversity | Fosters intercultural understanding and respect for diversity, which is fundamental to promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all (Target 10.2). |
| IC 201 004 | Introduction to International Affairs | Introduces students to the issue of global inequality and the importance of human rights, aligning with efforts to reduce inequality among countries (Target 10.3). |
| IC 203 003 | International Political Economy in the Greater Mekong Subregion | Analyzes economic inequality and the role of foreign aid, providing insights into policies aimed at reducing disparities (Target 10.B). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The curriculum addresses the critical role of sustainable urban planning and development in a globalized world. Students learn about the challenges of urbanization and the importance of creating inclusive, safe, and resilient human settlements, supported by effective public policy.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 243 002 | Global Economic Development | Addresses the challenges and strategies related to sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning (Target 11.3). |
| IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Provides a holistic understanding of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities, which is a key component of sustainable practices (Target 11.4). |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The program promotes principles of sustainability that are crucial for responsible consumption and production. By studying sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, students learn about the importance of efficient resource use and the need for companies to adopt sustainable practices.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Directly educates on the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, a core principle of responsible production (Target 12.2). |
| IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Encourages future business leaders to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their corporate reporting (Target 12.6). |
SDG 13: Climate ActionAlignment Summary: The curriculum directly confronts the urgent need for climate action by integrating it as a key theme in international development. Students are educated on the causes and impacts of climate change and the importance of global cooperation to mitigate its effects and build resilience.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 243 003 | Sustainable Development | Educates on the impacts of climate change and the need for global action, strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity (Target 13.1). |
| IC 243 005 | Contemporary Issues in International Development | Improves education and awareness-raising on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning (Target 13.3). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: This program is fundamentally aligned with SDG 16, as it focuses on the institutions, laws, and political systems that govern societies. Students gain a deep understanding of international law, global governance, human rights, and conflict resolution, preparing them to contribute to building peaceful, just, and inclusive institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 201 001 | Introduction to Political Science | Provides foundational knowledge on governance structures, essential for developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6). |
| IC 202 012 | International Law | Directly promotes the rule of law at the international level and ensures understanding of global justice systems (Target 16.3). |
| IC 202 011 | International Organizations | Develops understanding of effective global institutions and their role in promoting peace and justice (Target 16.8). |
| IC 011 014 | Citizenship and Democratic Society | Promotes responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making by educating on democratic principles and human rights (Target 16.7). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The entire curriculum is built around the concept of global partnership. By studying international affairs, diplomacy, and the function of international organizations, students learn the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to address complex global challenges and achieve sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 201 004 | Introduction to International Affairs | Provides a comprehensive understanding of the global system, which is the foundation for enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16). |
| IC 202 011 | International Organizations | Directly studies the multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge to support the achievement of the SDGs (Target 17.16). |
| IC 203 003 | International Political Economy in the Greater Mekong Subregion | Examines North-South, South-South and regional cooperation as key mechanisms for implementing the SDGs (Target 17.9). |