SDSN Thailand Launch and Public Forum 2024: Harnessing Multi-stakeholder Partnership for Accelerating SDG implementation in Thailand and Asia-Pacfic

On October 10, 2024, the SDSN Thailand Public Forum 2024 convened at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, under the theme of Harnessing Multi-Stakeholder Partnership for Accelerating SDG Implementation in Thailand and Asia-Pacific. The event attracted 200 participants, including representatives from government agencies, academia, private enterprises, financial institutions, NGOs, and UN agencies, both onsite and online.

The forum featured opening remark by Professor Surichai Wangaeo, Chair of SDSN Thailand Leadership Council, followed by a keynote speech from Professor John Thwaites, Co-Chair of Leadership Council, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and Chair of Climateworks Center, Monash University who was joining us online from Australia.

The forum aimed to achieve several key objectives which are to launch and officially mark the official introduction of the Thailand chapter of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Thailand), designed as an inclusive platform for knowledge sharing and multi-stakeholder partnerships focused on sustainable development in Thailand and to foster multi-stakeholder dialogues bringing together diverse stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about sustainable development solutions, addressing challenges and opportunities across various sectors. And the last but not least, the forum addressed key SDG issues focusing on four critical areas of sustainable development namely sustainable food and agriculture, biodiversity loss and ecosystem, just energy transition and education for sustainable development.

Key takeaways from 4 breakout sessions

Biodiversity loss and Ecosystem

The United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) concluded in Montreal, Canada, on December 19, 2022, with a pivotal agreement on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This framework will guide global actions toward nature conservation through 2030, aiming to combat biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and uphold indigenous rights. Key goals include protecting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, alongside proposals to enhance financial support for developing nations. Finance was a central topic at COP15, focusing on the commitments of developed countries to assist their developing counterparts in addressing biodiversity challenges. This breakout session on biodiversity emphasizes the significance of data, from collection to analysis, cannot be overstated. We need to address how we manage and restore this data, as a wealth of information is essential. However, the availability of such data remains a key concern. While inclusivity is essential for effective participation, we need to create incentives for private sector involvement in Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). The goal is to motivate businesses to participate in OECMs by offering them tangible benefits. Additionally, we are developing financial mechanisms that ensure sustainable outcomes on the ground. As a matter of fac, nature’s role in our economy is undeniable; thus, it is imperative to explore the interconnections across various sectors. We should aim to minimize harm by reducing subsidies for land use that negatively impacts nature. The cost of prevention should be less than the uncertain expenses associated with future restoration efforts. A biodiversity fund must be integrated into the ecosystem management framework because caring for our environment benefits everyone.

Education for Sustainable Development

For the key area of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), the discussion concluded that it faces several implementation challenges that require immediate attention. The current curriculum needs updating to reflect contemporary sustainability needs, and ESD should be embraced as a lifestyle rather than viewed as additional work. To address these challenges, the government must revise curriculum content with clear guidelines while granting universities more autonomy in ESD implementation. In Malaysia specifically, there’s a need to overcome mindset barriers and better integrate ESD into existing practices. It’s crucial to recognize that ESD extends beyond the Ministry of Education’s responsibility and classroom instruction, requiring practical, real-world learning experiences. While impressive detailed planning and partnership initiatives exist, success depends on broader stakeholder involvement, community engagement, and understanding ground realities. The path forward requires moving away from centralized control, embracing decentralization, and addressing real-world sustainability issues through active community participation and practical implementation strategies.

Moreover, the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the national level faces multiple complex challenges, primarily stemming from its limited integration into national plans and policies. A significant obstacle lies in the complexity of teacher training programs, particularly regarding environmental issues, necessitating a thorough review of both curriculum content and teacher preparation methods. A notable gap exists between curriculum development and actual implementation, with teacher training programs often having embedded but not explicit ESD components. Additional challenges include inadequate needs assessment processes, limited financing, policy uncertainty due to changing leadership, and confusion about implementation strategies, particularly regarding effective methods for teaching critical sustainability concepts. Despite these challenges, ESD offers substantial benefits to learners, as demonstrated through various success stories. For instance, online courses have made ESD more accessible and inclusive, while field trips have proven particularly effective in expanding students’ perspectives. The interdisciplinary nature of ESD courses allows students to learn from peers across different faculties and majors, enriching their understanding of sustainability issues. A notable example is the Phayao learning city, which serves as an effective platform for community engagement in lifelong learning processes, embodying the enlightenment concept of understanding societal complexities. The clear, practical activities shared by experienced practitioners provide applicable models for implementation, highlighting how ESD can successfully bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application when properly structured and supported.

Just Energy Transition

The third thematic key area discussed about Just Energy Transition and its implications for Thailand. The national approach to Just Energy Transition (JET) is significantly influenced by the implications of COP29, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). To create an enabling environment for accelerating the energy transition, Thailand must strategically position itself as a regional leader to attract increased support from COP29 proceedings. Economic competitiveness, particularly in light of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), has emerged as a crucial factor driving Thailand towards more ambitious NDCs. The transition requires substantial investments, especially in transportation infrastructure, and demands new technological solutions such as advanced energy storage systems. Drawing lessons from international experiences, Germany’s success demonstrates the importance of strong political will, while Australia’s mixed experience with renewable energy projects and ongoing conflicts of interest with gas companies in their Power Development Plan (PDP) offers valuable insights. Similar to these nations, Thailand faces the challenge of managing renewable energy integration for both low and high voltage users. The transition necessitates public support and comprehensive workforce development through reskilling and upskilling programs to ensure a truly just transition. As Thailand moves forward with NDC 3.0, collective focus and commitment from all stakeholders will be essential to achieve these ambitious decarbonization goals through a well-structured national energy plan that aligns with Asia-Pacific solutions and lessons learned.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture

While the last theme emphasized the promotion of sustainable food and agriculture systems in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region requires addressing multiple interconnected factors and challenges. Key enabling factors include the critical integration of existing frameworks and plans, alongside clear policy prioritization and concrete action implementation. Success depends heavily on fostering collaboration in environmental conservation efforts, advancing research and development of new technologies across all agricultural levels, and strengthening private and cross-sector partnerships to drive sustainability initiatives. Public awareness plays a crucial role, particularly in shaping consumer demand for sustainable food products, while green financial schemes are essential to support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices. Provincial and regional-level initiatives, combined with gradual transitions and improved health literacy promotion, form the foundation for sustainable change. Innovation and private sector investment in alternative protein sources represent emerging opportunities for system transformation. To raise public awareness effectively, several strategies are crucial: advocating for food and nutrition literacy, highlighting the benefits of plant-based diets and their environmental impact, providing diverse options for nutritious and sustainable food products, and incorporating sustainability education from an early age. The government’s supportive role is vital in promoting sustainable food systems, while the urgent call for accelerated action emphasizes the need for research, policy alignment, and effective collaboration in building resilient food supply chains. Community empowerment in identifying research needs and participating in solution development is essential, particularly as Thailand continues to address persistent malnutrition challenges through a multi-sectoral approach aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

In conclusion, the SDSN Thailand Public Forum 2024 successfully established a collaborative environment where stakeholders could share knowledge and formulate actionable strategies towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By fostering partnerships across various sectors, the forum underscored the collective commitment required to address sustainability challenges not only in Thailand but throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative is expected to pave the way for continued dialogue and collaboration in pursuit of a more sustainable future.