Thai PM attends ESG Symposium 2023 in Bangkok

Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of Thailand

However, according to the United Nations, the worst effects of this crisis can be averted by taking action in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and adopting the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In light of this, ESG Symposium 2023 was held at the National Sirikit Convention Centre in Bangkok on October 5, hosted by SCG Group, and with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in attendance. The goal of the symposium was to accelerate Thailand's transition into a low-carbon society while supporting the country's economic growth.

PM Thavisin spoke of how the Thai government has already provided substantial financial backing worth more than 450 billion baht ($12.2 billion) for investments in the 'green economy'.

"The promotion of investment in sustainability schemes has received a lot of positive feedback from Thai businesses, so the government has set a goal of making 1.6 trillion baht ($43.3 billion) available for businesses seeking alignment with the SDGs," said Thavisin, adding, "Thailand is ready to overcome the environmental crisis through daring new policies and setting a roadmap to mitigate emissions, enabling Thailand to become a low-carbon society," he said.

The Thai PM is an admirer of the Saraburi Sandbox, an initiative from SCG, which aims to create Thailand's first low-carbon city, promoting an economy powered by green industries, sustainable agriculture, and ecotourism.

"We commend SCG for its efforts to solve this issue. And we would like to welcome other companies to join and contribute to its success in the future. This will be a good example for other cities and other industries in Thailand," he said.

The ESG Symposium has been an international platform that has facilitated sustainability discussions for the past 11 years, and aims to build a diverse collaborative network of both local and international entities. Organised by SCG, in partnership with the government and private sector, its primary purpose is to emphasise the significance of sustainable development and ESG policies.

Some notable outcomes from past ESG Symposiums include pushing the issues of water management, circular economy, and ESG to become national agendas in Thailand. There have also been expansive collaborations to promote ESG throughout ASEAN, with sister-symposiums organised in Vietnam and Indonesia.

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