Better Futures
Better Futures Project 2026
Application Links
- Primary & Lower Secondary: https://forms.gle/jGC2wBFLDwtHJQyG8
- Upper Secondary – Vocational – University: https://forms.gle/qkiPRVxm9RY41eXn9
Project Background
Today, consumption behaviors significantly impact the environment, economy, and quality of life in our communities—especially in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While many young people are eager to drive change, they often lack:
- Opportunities to experiment and take real action
- Tools to understand consumption systems holistically
- Support systems and platforms to scale their impact
Better Futures Project #5 is a collaborative initiative by public, private, and civil society sectors—including Central Pattana, UNDP, the Ministry of Education, and MHESI.
The project aims to empower youth to:
Learn → Design → Experiment → Communicate
Participants will develop:
- Prototypes (problem-solving solutions)
- Communication Campaigns
to drive Responsible Consumption in tangible and scalable ways.
Objectives
- Build youth understanding of the link between consumption, environment, and business & human rights through selected SDGs
- Close the Intention–Action Gap using behavioral and communication tools
- Empower youth to drive responsible business practices through campaigns and innovation
- Foster collaboration between youth, businesses, and communities
- Promote real behavioral change through youth-led experimentation
Challenge Themes (People Profit Planet)
Youth participants will develop solutions based on 10 SDGs:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Regional Focus Areas
Each region reflects local contexts through tailored insights:
Central Region — Urban Wellbeing & Sustainable Economy
- People: Access to healthy food (SDG 2)
- Profit: Responsible and transparent businesses (SDG 12)
- Planet: Waste management from consumption (SDG 11/13)
Eastern Region — Industrial & Coastal Sustainability
- People: Health in industrial communities (SDG 3)
- Profit: Responsible industrial practices (SDG 9,11,12)
- Planet: Mangrove and coastal restoration (SDG 13,14)
Northeastern Region — Local Economy & Resource Resilience
- People: Sustainable agriculture & food security (SDG 2)
- Profit: Local culture and economy (SDG 8)
- Planet: Water management (SDG 6,13)
Northern Region — Climate & Consumption Transition
- People: Health impacts from pollution (SDG 3)
- Profit: Sustainable tourism (SDG 8)
- Planet: Forest protection & reducing harmful consumption (SDG 13/15)
Southern Region — Tourism & Marine Ecosystems
- People: Tourism impacts on communities (SDG 6,8)
- Profit: Responsible tourism (SDG 8)
- Planet: Marine protection & waste management (SDG 13/14)
Who Can Apply
- Youth aged 7–15 years (Primary – Lower Secondary):
Focus on communication and behavioral change - Youth aged 16–22 years (Upper Secondary / Vocational / University):
Focus on building scalable solutions and campaigns - Apply in teams of 2–4 members
- Interested in social impact, sustainability, and experimentation
- Ready to commit to a 2-month program (for 16–22 age group)
Program Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Certificates and awards
- Skills in campaign design & behavioral science
- Hands-on experience in prototype testing with business partners
- Access to coaches, networks, and scaling opportunities
- A platform to amplify youth voices
- Opportunities for study visits / internships in sustainability fields
- Prizes from supporting organizations
Application and Selection Criteria for Project Participants
1. Upper Secondary – Vocational – University Level (Scalable Prototype and Communication)
- Form teams of 2–4 members
- Apply via the designated application form (submission can be in written format)
- Present idea(s) and relevant experience
- Attach supporting portfolio (if any)
- Shortlist to 10 teams per region
(Selected teams must be available to participate in training and activities according to the specified schedule for the full 2-day program, including the final judging and showcase day) - Present work in the final round to select the top 3 teams
2. Lower Secondary Level (Young Clip Creator)
- Form teams of 2–4 members
- Apply via the designated application form (submission can be in written or video format)
- Present idea(s)
- Attach supporting portfolio (if any)
- Shortlist to 10 teams per region
(Selected teams must be available to participate in training and activities according to the specified schedule for 1 or 2 days, including the final judging and showcase day) - Present work in the final round to select the top 5 teams
3. Primary School Level (Art & Project Creators)
- Form teams of 2–4 members
- Apply via the application form (submission can be in written or video format)
- Express “the future” through projects or artworks in various forms such as drawing, sculpture, dance, singing, performance, or other creative formats
- Specify the media format used for presenting the work
- Attach supporting portfolio (if any)
- Shortlist to 10 teams per region
(Selected teams must be available to participate in training and activities according to the specified schedule for 1 or 2 days, including the final judging and showcase day) - Present work in the final round to select the top 5 teams
Who is This Program For
- Youth aged 7–15 years (Primary – Lower Secondary), focusing on communication and behavior change
- Youth aged 16–22 years (Upper Secondary / Vocational / University), focusing on creating change through projects that can communicate, scale, and measure impact
- Apply as a team of 2–4 members
- Interested in social change through campaigns and idea experimentation
- Ready to learn and take action over a 2-month period (for youth aged 16–22)
What Participants Will Receive
- Certificate of participation and certificates for various award categories
- Skills in campaign communication design and behavioral change (behavioral sciences)
- Hands-on experience in testing ideas (prototype to action) with business sector partners
- Coaching, networks, and opportunities to further develop ideas for impact
- A platform to amplify youth voices
- Opportunities for study visits, learning experiences, or internships to build future sustainability career skills
- Prizes from various corporate sponsors
Pre-Selection Criteria (for Top 10 Teams per Region)
Upper Secondary – Vocational – University Level (Total 100 Points)
- 1. Understanding of the problem and local context related to business and human rights (social, economic, and environmental) – 50 points
- 2. Creativity of the idea – 20 points
- 3. Potential for measurement and scalability – 20 points
- 4. Team experience (if any), with portfolio link attached – 10 points
Remarks: A diversity quota will be applied to ensure fair regional representation.
Primary – Lower Secondary Level (Total 100 Points)
- 1. Understanding of the problem and local context (Understanding) – 20 points
- 2. Idea for change (Idea & Action) – 30 points
- 3. Creativity and potential for scalability (Creativity & Potential) – 40 points
- 4. Commitment and readiness to participate (assessed through application responses) – 10 points
Remarks: A diversity quota will be applied to ensure fair regional representation.
Program Timeline :
The project will be implemented through a nationwide roadshow across five regions, followed by a national-level final round, as detailed below:
Central Region (Bangkok)At Central Park, 6th Floor (at Work)
Application period: 16 April – 4 May 2026
Event dates: 14 – 15 May 2026
Northeastern Region (Khon Kaen Province)At Central Khon Kaen (Hall area)
Application period: 16 April – 2 June 2026
Event dates: 14 – 15 June 2026
Eastern Region (Rayong Province)
At Central Rayong (Hall area)
Application period: 16 April – 8 June 2026
Event dates: 19 – 20 June 2026
Southern Region (Phuket Province)
At Central Phuket (Hall area)
Application period: 16 April – 29 June 2026
Event dates: 10 – 11 July 2026
Northern Region (Chiang Mai Province)
At Central Chiang Mai (Hall area)
Application period: 16 April – 27 July 2026
Event dates: 7 – 8 August 2026
Final Round & Showcase
At CentralWorld (Hall area)
Event dates: 16 – 18 October 2026
Program Details :
Upper Secondary – Vocational – University Level (16–22 Age Group)
Day 1: Understanding the System
- Opening & Icebreaking
- Regional Insights + Human Rights Lens
- Observation Walk
- Problem Framing & Target Behavior
- Theory of Change
- Reflection
Day 2: From Idea to Campaign
Campaign Design (SMCRF Model)
Prototype Design
Presentation Preparation
Pitching & Selection
Final Selection (Behavior Activation Phase)
- 2 teams per region will be selected based on:
- Problem understanding
- Behavior change logic
- Feasibility
- Communication strength
Grand Winner Criteria (National Level)
- Potential for real-world business application
- Ability to create shared value (Youth–Business–Society)
- Measurable behavior change impact
- Strong and effective communication
Notes
- The judges’ decision is final
- The organizers reserve the right to modify conditions without prior notice
- Selected teams may receive travel, accommodation, and meal support
- Personal data will be managed in compliance with Thailand’s PDPA
Primary School – Lower Secondary School Levels
1. Primary School Level (Ages 9–12): “ART & Project Creators Activities”
Theme: “Futures Near Me – A Better Planet & Better Communities”
Concept:
Create the “future world” they wish to see by connecting with the SDGs and issues close to their communities.
Day 1 Activities (13:00–17:00)
- Learn about SDGs and local social issues
- Practice linking “Problem → Solution → Desired Future”
- Create an artwork reflecting their ideas
- Presentation and award announcement
Components of the Work
- 1 Problem: What they want to change (linked to SDGs)
- 1 Solution: What they want to take action on
- 1 Future Vision: What a better world looks like
Formats of Work (Open-ended creativity):
- Drawing / Sculpture / Craft
- Performance / Dance / Singing
- Or any other creative formats
Focus: Imagination + connecting “problems” with “self”
2. Lower Secondary Level (Ages 13–15): “Young Creators Campaign”
Theme: “Futures Near Me – A Better Planet & Better Communities”
Concept:
Create content to communicate and drive social change.
Day 2 Activities (10:00–17:00)
- Learn about SDGs and local social issues
- Develop Digital Content Creation skills (Storytelling / Messaging / Platform)
- Design content that can influence people’s behavior
- Presentation and award announcement
Work Format:
- TikTok / Reels / Short Video
Focus: Communication + influencing behavior of people around them
Safety and Appropriateness Guidelines for Youth
- All activities are designed to be age-appropriate
- Facilitators will closely supervise participants throughout the program
- Create a safe, open, and non-judgmental environment (Safe Space)
- Emphasize voluntary participation and respect for diversity
Selection Criteria (Presentation & Evaluation)
The selection of works in the Mini Showcase focuses on encouraging participants’ potential, creativity, and intention rather than perfection. The program provides space for all youth to fully express themselves.
Evaluation Guidelines
- Emphasize participants’ effort and intention
- Technical skills or aesthetics are not the primary factors
- Encourage diversity of ideas and perspectives
- Focus on creating a fun and safe learning experience
Remarks:
- The decision of the judging panel shall be final.
- The Company reserves the right to limit participation in this competition to external individuals who have no affiliation with the Company.
- The Company reserves the right to publish all submitted works of participants through online media and other channels.
- The Company reserves the right to amend any terms, conditions, and details related to this competition without prior notice to participants.
- The Company shall not be held liable for any claims arising from copyright infringement or violation of any third party’s intellectual property rights.
- Applicants to the “Better Futures Project 2026: Futures Near Me” (hereinafter referred to as the “Data Subject”) acknowledge and understand the nature, methods, purposes, and necessity of the collection, use, and/or disclosure of their personal data by Central Pattana Public Company Limited and WeTech Consulting Co., Ltd., in their capacity as Data Controllers. Such actions shall be carried out in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), for the purpose of ensuring proper, efficient, and secure project management. The provision of personal data by the applicant shall be deemed as consent for the Company to process such data strictly within the scope of the project activities.
- For teams selected as the Top 10 finalists in each region, the organizing committee is pleased to provide support for related expenses, including travel, accommodation, and meals (outside training hours), as deemed appropriate. Such support shall be subject to the terms, rates, conditions, and discretion determined by the organizing committee. In the event of any additional expenses, consideration will be made on a case-by-case basis. All reimbursements must be based on actual expenses incurred and supported by valid documentation and evidence.
