The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand will host “SEP in Business: A G-77 Forum on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals” during 1 – 2 June 2016 at the Siam Kempinski Hotel, Bangkok.

The G-77 Forum is the second conference on SEP building on the first meeting entitled “G-77 Bangkok Roundtable on Sufficiency Economy: an Approach to Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals” organized by MFA during 28-29 February 2016. This G-77 Forum aims to create dialogues and understanding on the role of private sector in supporting the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the Forum will be an opportunity for Thailand to share with G-77 members on Thailand’s guiding principle for development in the last 40 years, the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy or SEP as one of the means to support the implementation of the SDGs, in particular on the aspect of the SEP application in private sector, where many leading businesses in Thailand also have successfully applied SEP into their business operation and management.

On 1 June 2016, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), the Prime Minister, will open the Conference, to be followed by a Keynote Speech by Dr. Prasarn Triratvorakul, Former Governor of the Bank of Thailand, Member of the Board of Directors, Thailand Sustainable Development Foundation (TSDF). The forum will comprise of panel discussion on “Streamlining SEP into business practice in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. In the afternoon, the participants will have a chance to interact with the interested private sector in the session of the World Café (Interactive Exhibition) hosted by TSDF, which applied the concept of SEP successfully in their business such as    Ban Anurak Kradat Sa (Mulberry Paper Conservation House), Xongdur, Nithi Foods Co. Ltd., Bathroom Design, Plan Toy and Siam Cement Group (SCG).

The Roundtable is expected to welcome 200 participants including Ambassadors /Permanent Representatives of the countries of the G-77 from permanent missions in New York and Embassies in Bangkok, senior-level officials from the concerned Ministries from capitols, as well as representatives from international organizations and representatives of Thai government agencies, the private sector and the academia.

On 2 June 2016,  a field visit to Suan Sam Pran, Nakhon Pathom Province has been arranged so that participants can see how Thailand has implemented the SEP in hospitality and tourism sector   as well as having the opportunity to learn about Thai ways of life, environmental preservation living in harmony with nature and community as well as eco-farming tourism with engagement of local communities.