UNHCR launches the Children’s Art Exhibition and Special Campaign with Boyd Kosiyabong for World Refugee Day

Bangkok – On 23 June 2026, UNHCR is commemorating World Refugee Day in Thailand by hosting the Mayors for Peace Children’s Art Exhibition and launching a campaign by renowned Thai composer and producer Boyd Kosiyabong. The event will bring together representatives from the Royal Thai Government, embassies in Bangkok, United Nations agencies and private-sector partners, demonstrating their solidarity with refugees and forcibly displaced people worldwide.

According to the Global Trends Report produced by UNHCR, more than 117 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide due to conflict, violence and persecution. As displacement continues to be one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, the commemoration in Bangkok seeks to promote the meaning of peace through the power of art and music.

The exhibition features 68 artworks created by Thai, refugee and expatriate children living in Thailand, reflecting themes of peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and respect for diversity. In addition, the event highlights the message of peace through the song “Baan” (Home) by Boyd Kosiyabong.

“When people around the world are forced to flee their homes, peace is needed more than ever. It is the foundation of safety, hope and the future that everyone deserves. The artworks displayed at this exhibition remind us that the dream of living in peace is something shared by all people, regardless of where they come from,” said Tammy Sharp, UNHCR Thailand’s Representative.

The exhibition is being organized in partnership with Mayors for Peace, a global network of cities dedicated to promoting peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Under the theme “What Peace Means to Me,” the exhibition showcases children’s perspectives, hopes and imagination for a more peaceful world.

“Peace begins with understanding and respect for one another, and this exhibition offers us the opportunity to see the world through children’s visions, reminding us that hope, compassion and acceptance of differences are essential foundations for a peaceful and sustainable society,” said Mr. Kasit Piromya, former Foreign Minister and Special Adviser to Mayors for Peace.

The event also marks the launch of the “Home” campaign by Boyd Kosiyabong, conveying the message that “this world is our shared home” and that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves a safe and peaceful place to live with dignity and hope.

As part of the campaign, Boyd Kosiyabong will release a special version of “Home” featuring collaborations from various artists. The campaign will be accompanied by a documentary designed to inspire greater care for both the world and one another.

“I believe the feeling of ‘home’ is a universal language that everyone understands. No matter where we are born, how we grew up or what challenges we face in life, we all need a place that is warm, safe and filled with hope. I hope ‘Home’ can be one more voice encouraging us to take better care of our world and each other,” said Boyd Kosiyabong.

The Mayors for Peace Children’s Art Exhibition will take place at the Pop-up Zone, second floor, EMSPHERE, Bangkok, from 24–28 June 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore children’s interpretations of peace. Please also follow the “Home” campaign through UNHCR Thailand’s social media channels.

At a time when funding cuts are affecting humanitarian organizations worldwide, including UNHCR, this World Refugee Day event has been made possible through the generous support of private-sector partners. UNHCR extends its sincere appreciation to EMSPHERE for providing the venue and supporting this important initiative.