Paris, France – September 8, 2025 – The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has been awarded the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize for its initiative “Bridging Literacy Gaps: Inclusive Education Through an Accessible Digital Resource Platform for Thai Students with Disabilities.”
The award was presented at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, where Dr. Wasan Pattharathikom, Vice President for NSTDA Core Business, received the honor on behalf of NSTDA. This recognition celebrates NSTDA’s development of an accessible online learning platform designed to eliminate barriers to education for students with visual, hearing, mobility, and learning impairments.
The platform complies with international accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2) and offers digital lessons aligned with Thailand’s national curriculum for Grades 4–12. Key features include Thai Sign Language interpretation, captioning, audio description, EPUB and DAISY formats, and symbol-based communication for nonverbal students, ensuring that all learners can access quality educational resources.
As part of the celebration of International Literacy Day, Dr. Aitthanatt Eitivipart, an NSTDA researcher, presented NSTDA’s work at the UNESCO international seminar, “Promoting Effective Literacy Programmes and Practices in the Digital Era.” His presentation highlighted how digital technology can play a pivotal role in advancing literacy and inclusive education.
This prestigious recognition reflects NSTDA’s long-standing commitment to accessibility and assistive technology innovation, as well as its broader mission to leverage science, technology, and innovation to reduce inequality and empower marginalized communities. It underscores NSTDA’s leadership in developing digital platforms that integrate universal design principles and foster collaboration with educational institutions across Thailand.
Winning the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize marks a significant milestone for both NSTDA and Thailand, positioning the nation at the forefront of global efforts to harness digital innovation for inclusive literacy. The award reaffirms the importance of accessible education as a cornerstone of human development and social equity, validating NSTDA’s vision of using technology to improve quality of life and expand educational opportunities for all.
Established in 1967 and supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea, the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize honors outstanding literacy initiatives that emphasize mother-tongue-based learning. Each laureate receives a medal, a certificate, and a prize of USD 20,000.