A Year of Youth Spotlight Series – Best Apisit Uthakhamkong of New Zealand
July 4A short bio of yourself
My name is Best Apisit Uthakhamkong, and I am 29 years old. I hold a Bachelor of Brand Communications and a Graduate Diploma in Design, and I live in New Zealand. Currently, I serve as the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator for the New Zealand Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) Pacific, and I am the President and founder of The Peace Club. It was also an honour for me to be one of the finalists for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Awards and to be recognised for my work with The Peace Club.
Tell us a little about your event/project
The Peace Club is a registered charitable organisation based in Dunedin, New Zealand, with a mission to promote peace, loving-kindness, and compassion in society. We believe that every small action can make a significant impact, and we invite individuals to join us in creating a more peaceful world, one step at a time. Our initiatives and activities are designed to empower individuals to embrace values of empowerment, equality, unity, empathy, and kindness, and the aim is to encourage a culture of positive change within communities and beyond.
An example of one of our projects is ‘Art for Peace’ which was launched in June 2019 to cultivate a culture of peace, mindfulness and harmony among young people. The competition attracted entries from over 500 students who showcased diverse artwork on the theme ‘World Peace’. The event was a huge success, and the vibrant awards ceremony at the University of Otago sparked wider conversations on peace and the role of art in society.
The Peace Club also organises free meditation sessions at schools to promote mental health and well-being among students. These sessions are designed to help students manage stress, improve focus, and develop a sense of inner peace. By integrating mindfulness practices into their daily routines, we aim to create a more compassionate and resilient student community.
In addition, I am also a member of The Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) Pacific. This alliance was launched in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Programme and aims to foster collaboration and innovation for economic and social progress in the region. As the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator for the New Zealand branch, my focus is on engaging with young entrepreneurs and stakeholders in New Zealand; building relationships, and implementing programmes to address their needs. CAYE empowers young entrepreneurs by providing access to resources, mentorship, and a supportive network, enabling them to succeed and drive positive change within their communities.
What inspired you to work on this particular issue?
I was inspired by the lack of support and recognition for young entrepreneurs and the growing need for mental health awareness among youth. I can see the potential among young people and this motivated me to create platforms that could provide the necessary support, guidance, and mental health resources to help them succeed and lead peaceful lives.
What should your country/community do to address this issue?
Our community should focus on creating supportive policies for young entrepreneurs, providing access to funding, and establishing mentorship programmes. In addition, it is essential to promote mental health awareness in schools through initiatives like free meditation sessions. Fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and collaboration from a young age through education and community programmes can significantly address these issues.
What was the most memorable moment during the event/project?
The most memorable moment was the awards ceremony at the University of Otago during the ‘Art for Peace’ competition. It was incredibly rewarding to see the joy and pride on the faces of over 500 students who participated and showcased their artwork.
Another memorable moment was when The Peace Club won a local award from the Peace and Disarmament Trust for its impact on promoting peace and understanding among youths. We also received funding to support our projects from Dunedin City Council; Otago Community Trust; Lottery Community; Ethnic Communities Development Fund; Global Youth Mobilisation Fund and the United Nations Foundation.
What is your vision for this project?
My vision for The Peace Club is to expand its reach and impact and to create a global network of young individuals who promote peace, love, and compassion
What keeps you motivated?
The success stories of the young entrepreneurs we support and the positive changes we see in their lives keep me motivated. The impact our mental health initiatives have on students inspires me to continue working on these projects.
Tell us an unusual fact or piece of trivia about yourself?
I am passionate about the universe, space, and stars. I enjoy capturing photos of the Milky Way and the Aurora, and I dream of witnessing a rocket launch and capturing the moment through photography.
What is your favourite quote? Why?
My favourite quote is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This resonates with me because it emphasises the importance of taking the initiative and being proactive in shaping our destinies. This is at the heart of my work with young entrepreneurs.
What youth issue should be a priority for the Commonwealth Youth Programme and why?
A priority issue for the Commonwealth Youth Programme should be the support and development of youth entrepreneurship. By providing young people with the skills, resources, and networks they need to succeed, we can foster economic growth, reduce unemployment, and drive innovation across the Commonwealth. Promoting mental health awareness and support should be a priority for the Commonwealth to ensure that young people can lead healthy and productive lives.
More information:
My Website: www.best.org.nz
The Peace Club Website: www.thepeace.co.nz
CAYE Pacic Website: www.cayepacific.org
