Sustainability expo 2024 opens in Bangkok, urgent action needed

Immediate action is necessary for sustainability, warns Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX2024) yesterday in Bangkok, he highlighted the urgency of change as emphasised by the sufficiency economy theory of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great King Rama IX.

Sumet elaborated on the theory, noting that while it originally seemed focused on economic change following Thailand’s economic crisis, its principles are now more relevant than ever in the face of challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. The theory advocates for self-evaluation, logic, and risk management to prepare for any eventualities and build resilience.

“People must understand and carefully plan their actions to minimise adverse effects. We now live in a borderless world, making it impossible to avoid the impact of major incidents, no matter where they occur.

“We should now consider whether this is the appropriate moment to act. We ought to do it in time to survive. The proper course of action is to ensure that the following generation inherits enough natural resources, which they have already passed on to their clan. That is what we mean when we talk about sustainability.”

Sustainability Expo 2024, themed Sufficiency for Sustainability, kicked off yesterday, September 27, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The event, which runs until October 6, features over 270 domestic and international partners sharing their insights and experiences.

Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, the event chair, described the expo as Southeast Asia’s largest gathering of its kind, inspired by the royal command of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. The event seeks to continue, preserve, and build on the royal legacy of King Rama IX and his sufficiency economy philosophy, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thapana noted that the expo, which saw over 360,000 visitors last year, has consistently received positive feedback for offering solutions across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

“The expo provides answers to the pressing challenge of creating a ‘Good Balance and Better World’ for attendees of all ages.”

The event’s focus on sustainability aims to educate and inspire participants to take meaningful action towards preserving natural resources and ensuring a better future for the next generations, reported Bangkok Post.