Putting People First: AI Ready for Advancing Social Impact in Thailand is a multi-stakeholder showcase convened in partnership with ESCAP and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) to explore how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly and inclusively to strengthen social impact across Thailand.

Bringing together policymakers, development partners, technology leaders, and civil society organizations, the event places people at the center of digital transformation. Through keynote reflections, a fireside chat on regional AI readiness, and a dynamic panel featuring practitioners from education, disability inclusion, and community development, the programme highlights practical applications of AI that address real societal needs.

A central feature of the event is the recognition of NGOs that have reached 80 per cent AI readiness, underscoring the importance of digital capacity-building and cross-sector collaboration. The People-First AI Showcase further offers participants a hands-on opportunity to engage with innovative solutions being deployed across communities, from inclusive education tools to support for informal workers.

Overall, the event aims to advance ethical AI adoption, strengthen digital equity, and build momentum for partnerships that ensure AI contributes meaningfully to sustainable and inclusive development in Thailand.