Empowering the Next Generation: WHO Thailand hosts Young Leaders under the Ambassador for a Day Program

Bangkok, 5–6 March 2026

18 March 2026

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Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand, welcomes and introduces Youth Shadows Ms Issariya Srisawedsupparak (left) and Ms Chanya Wisetprapa (right) to staff at the WHO Country Office. (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

What does it take to champion health and justice for all women and girls?

For two young leaders selected as Ambassadors for a Day, the answer began with stepping into the shoes of a WHO Representative to Thailand.

Now in its 6th year, the Ambassador for a Day 2026 was hosted by the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand and the United Nations Resident Coordinator. This initiative brings together women Ambassadors, senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, and UN leaders to open their doors to the next generation. Each year, young people across Thailand compete to shadow a senior woman leader— gaining an experience at what it means to lead at the high levels.

This year, WHO Thailand was proud to participate as part of the celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March 2026. Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand, was happy to welcome Ms Issariya Srisawedsupparak (Pharmacy student at Mahidol University) and Ms Chanya Wisetprapa (Nursing Student at Mahidol University) as her Youth Shadows, offering them a firsthand look at how a senior woman leader drives change in public health and diplomacy.

Inside the Work of a WHO Representative

On 5 March, the two young leaders first met the WHO Representative to Thailand. The morning began with a visit to the local food market at the Ministry of Public Health — a warm opportunity to get to know one another and have a glimpse of the daily activities in the MOPH compound.

Dr Ailan and Youth Shadows browse the food market at the Ministry of Public Health (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

Youth Shadows meet Dr Ailan, WHO Representative to Thailand (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

This was followed by a sit-down with Dr Ailan, who walked them through WHO’s work in Thailand — from understanding how WHO strengthens technical cooperation with the Thai government to promote, provide and protect health in Thailand to what it means to lead a team through complex, high-stakes challenges. It was a candid conversation about the realities of being a senior woman leader at WHO, and what drives her passion for public health.

Youth Shadows join Dr Ailan Li’s staff meeting on developing the WHO -Thailand’s Country Cooperation Strategy. (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand) (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

The Youth Shadows joined the WHO staff discussions on data and situation analysis for the development of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), observing the organization’s technical and operational work. Through this experience, they gained a deeper understanding of how WHO works collaboratively across government, partners, and communities to advance a more equitable health for all.

“Meeting with Dr Ailan showed me how health diplomacy really works — balancing global standards with national priorities and turning evidence into action.” – Issariya Srisawedsupparak

“Shadowing the WHO Representative to Thailand was a truly meaningful and inspiring experience for me as a young woman in health. It allowed me to witness how leadership grounded in knowledge, courage, and compassion can create change.” – Chanya Wisetprapa

The afternoon brought a dynamic exchange with Gen Z youth leaders from Nawaminthrachinuthit Satriwitthaya 2 School, the New Gen Communicator Network, and the Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy — all united around a pressing issue: tobacco and e-cigarette prevention among young people.

Their participation highlighted how young voices are shaping Thailand’s health agenda. They are informed, confident and determined to protect themselves and the future generation.

Youth Shadows and Gen Z youth leaders actively engaged with WHO in advocacy against tobacco and e-cigarettes gather for a group photo. (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

Youth Shadows and Gen Z youth leaders in dialogue on tobacco and e-cigarette prevention — a session chaired by Dr Ailan. (Photo Credit: WHO Thailand)

“This experience broadened my perspective on global health and deepened my understanding of complex challenges such as health inequities and malnutrition. It also strengthened my commitment to becoming a nurse who not only cares for individual patients but also contributes to society and future generations” – Chanya Wisetprapa

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Peru Embassy at the Australian Ambassador's Residence, where youth participants and diplomatic leaders gathered ahead of the region's International Women's Day commemoration.

Dr Ailan and Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, take a selfie with Youth Shadows Chanya and Issariya at the Ambassador for a Day reception dinner. (Photo Credit: UNRC)

41 Youth Shadows receive certificates recognizing their selection as Ambassadors for a Day at the reception dinner hosted by H.E. Ms Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Ambassador of Peru to Thailand. (Photo Credit: UNRC)

A Front-Row View of Women Leaders in Action

Dr Ailan with Youth Shadows Issariya and Chanya at the Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of International Women's Day 2026 (Photo credit UN Women)

On 6 March, Issariya and Chanya joined Dr Ailan at the Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of International Women's Day 2026 at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. Under the theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls", governments, UN agencies and regional partners convened to strengthen access to justice and dismantle structural barriers facing women and girls.

For the two Youth Shadows, it was an opportunity to witness multilateral advocacy in real time.

Participants to the Asia-Pacific Regional Commemoration of International Women's Day 2026 gather for a group photo (Photo credit UN Women)

“This initiative bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the real world of international development. Having met with experts who made a career in global institutions feel tangible and achievable for me.” – Issariya Srisawedsupparak

Health Is a Matter of Justice

Across the WHO South-East Asia Region, progress on women's health remains uneven. South-East Asia has the highest prevalence of intimate partner violence among all WHO regions, at 20.5% in the past 12 months. Adolescent birth rates remain high, and gaps in reproductive health services continue to disproportionately affect women and girls.

“We were grateful to take part in the Ambassador for a Day initiative, which brings together young participants and women leaders [...] Moments like these remind us that investing in young women's leadership today helps build stronger health systems and more equitable societies for tomorrow.” – Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand

WHO believes the leaders of tomorrow are already here, they just need the door open. Initiatives like Ambassador for a Day ensure young women do not just witness change but are part of making it.

The Ambassador for a Day initiative is co-convened by the Ambassador of Sweden and the UN Resident Coordinator, with WHO Thailand participating as a co-host.