On July 25, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Torpong Kreetachat, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment (SEEN), University of Phayao, a graduate of the 11th Senior Executive Environmental Governance Program, attended the academic seminar "A Decade of Progress: Environmental Governance for Sustainable Development" (Shaping Our Future: A Symposium on Environment Governance for Sustainability). The seminar was organized under the program by the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, who delivered a special keynote address on "Collaboration between Public, Private, and Civil Sectors: A Catalyst for a Low Carbon Economy in Thailand." Captain Rachata Pisitbannakorn, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also welcomed attendees and introduced the program.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated in his special keynote address that global warming, natural disasters, transboundary environmental pollution, and the destruction of natural resources are issues of global concern and significance. These problems are frequently discussed at international forums, and Thailand is also affected by environmental challenges, particularly the impacts of climate change, which will determine the survival of the economy and society. The challenges include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, and preparing to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The government's "Ignite Thailand" vision aims to achieve economic growth alongside sustainability by using resources efficiently and minimizing environmental impact. This will be accomplished through collaboration among the public sector, private sector, and the people, known as the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP).
The event featured the presentation of the Sustainable Growth Model, which drives Thailand's climate change and environmental initiatives, along with policy recommendations for sustainable growth handed to the Prime Minister. Additionally, there was a panel discussion titled “A Community: Sustainable Environmental Management for Thai Society,” highlighting the commitment to applying the knowledge gained from the training program to benefit the broader community. This also demonstrated the collaborative efforts of senior executives from both public and private sectors, aiming to develop and implement tangible policies on climate change and environmental issues at both organizational and national levels. The approach emphasizes integrated operations to ensure genuine participation from various sectors.
This event was organized as a carbon-neutral event, with carbon emissions offset through voluntary greenhouse gas reduction projects, resulting in zero carbon emissions from the event.