UN Refugee Agency appoints former NIST International School pupil as Goodwill Ambassador

NIST International School’s shared history with the United Nations strongly impacted the evolution of the school's mission since the school's opening nearly 25 years ago. At the end of January 2017, those shared values were reinforced as Praya Lundberg (ไป รยา สวนดอกไม้), from the Class of 2007, was appointed to be a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Also known as the UN Refugee Agency, this branch of the UN is tasked to “lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems“. With the global refugee crisis reaching epidemic proportions, compounded by a wave of isolationism, promoting diversity, tolerance and empathy for others has become more important than ever. Goodwill Ambassadors for the UN Refugee Agency are selected not only for their status as well-recognized public figures, but also their dedication to raising awareness of these issues.

Praya represents the first Thai Goodwill Ambassador, and the first to ever be appointed for the Southeast Asian region. She will be joining other well-known figures and UNHCR ambassadors – Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Jung Woo-sung, Yao Chen and several others – in campaigning for refugee rights. Her efforts, while concentrated on refugee populations in Thailand, will also encompass other areas around Asia.

Within the first week of assuming the role, she has already begun making a strong impact. Following her initial address at the UNHCR Thailand, where she highlighted the importance of recognizing the plight of displaced populations, Praya flew to Jordan. From 6 to 8 February she visited the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps, interacting with and comforting families displaced by the Syrian Civil War.

As a NIST graduate who completed the IB Diploma Programme, Praya embodies the ideals of international education and NIST's own mission to inspire, empower and enrich lives. In a TEDx talk delivered at the school in 2015, she described how NIST's diverse community influenced her personal growth, as well as the ways in which it led to a passion for serving others. NIST and other not-for-profit international schools strongly emphasize the role of service and global mindedness in learning, aiming to create global citizens who make a positive impact in their communities.

This drive to make a difference in the world lies at the heart of a NIST education, and the school is proud that Praya and so many other NIST alumni continue to seek out ways in which they can leverage their privilege to advocate for those who may otherwise not have their voices heard.

For more information about NIST International School, see the school's profile on International School Search.