On 1 – 4 October 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in “Thailand Sustainability Expo 2020” (TSX 2020) at Samyan Mitrtown, at the invitation of the organising committee, led by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) and Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN). The event is under the concept “Sufficiency for Sustainability”, aiming to mobilise public awareness on the importance of sustainable development, in line with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. The event also aimed at inspiring general public, especially youth, to join forces in advancing sustainable development.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ contribution at TSX 2020 include:

(1) Policy Discussion on the topic of “The Advancement of Thailand in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals”  by Director-General Nadhavathna Krishnamra of the Department of International Organisations, focusing on raising awareness on policy implementation to drive forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a reflection on how to achieve sustainable development in all dimensions, especially during this challenging time posed by COVID-19.

(2) Panel discussion on “The Role of the Youth in Realising the SDGs” to raise awareness on the role and the importance of youth as an agent of change in society and in advancing the SDGs in all dimensions. The panellists included (1) Miss Prima Pupornchai, a Thai Youth Delegate to the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2019, who initiated the Speaking Hub Project (2) Mr. Krawee Tongintee, a Thai Youth Delegate to the UNGA74, who plays a leading role in various youth leadership and exchange programmes for SDGs; and Thai Youth Delegates to the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2020 (3) Miss Chananchida Maliwan, a founder of “Plastic Be More” Project, and (4) Mr. Nasruddin Yama, a founder of “Volunteering Teaching” Project.  The energy-filled session was attended by up to 70 people where social distancing measures were observed, and more than 1,500 people followed the discussion through Facebook Live.

(3) Exhibition focusing on the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in advancing sustainable development overseas, organized by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) with Mr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Secretary-General of the Chaipattana Foundation, who presided over the official Opening Ceremony. The exhibition features the use of SEP in overseas projects for more than 21 countries including the use of SEP to advance sustainable community development, the establishment of SEP learning centers, and Friend From Thailand (FFT) volunteer programme. The event was also participated by current and former executives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Ms. Busaya Mathelin, former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Director-General of the Department of International Organisations, and Ms. Pattarat Hongtong, Director-General of TICA.

Videos of all the activities can be found on the Thailand Sustainability Expo 2020’s official Youtube Channel.