In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024 (GSDC) emerges as a beacon of hope and innovation. Hosted in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, from June 10th to 13th, this landmark event, co-hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, marks a pivotal moment in our global pursuit of sustainability.
Set against the backdrop of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the congress promises to be an amalgamation of wisdom, innovation, and collaborative spirit with over 3,000 attendees. The event is meticulously designed to bring together an eclectic mix of thought leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators from across the globe. Their mission? To forge urgent, actionable solutions to our planet’s pressing sustainability challenges.
The congress is set to feature more than 350 eminent speakers, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives on sustainable development. Among the confirmed speakers are luminaries such as Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Bangkok’s chief sustainability officer; Nadjme Yusuf of Petronas Dagangan; Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad; economist and former Deputy Prime Minister of Albania, Senida Mesi; AmCham Singapore CEO, Hsien-Hsien Lei; and Pariphan Uthawaiya of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
One of the GSDC’s core highlights is its focus on collaborative engagement, with over 15 hours dedicated to networking and cross-sector collaboration. This approach fosters dialogue and catalyzes partnerships that can lead to real-world impacts. Attendees will have the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in case studies, learn about best practices, and discover innovative strategies and impactful projects shaping the future of sustainability.
Six themes encapsulating the breadth and depth of sustainable development are central to the congress: education, gender and inequality; health, well-being, and demography; energy decarbonization and sustainable industry; sustainable food, land, water, and oceans; sustainable cities and communities; and the digital revolution for sustainable development. These themes underscore the multi-faceted approach required to address the sustainability emergency.
Adding to the event’s significance, THE’s Impact Rankings 2024 will be announced, spotlighting universities’ strides towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This is a testament to educational institutions’ pivotal role in driving societal change.
Phil Baty, THE’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, encapsulates the essence of the congress: “Thailand is a world-leading nation for unleashing the power of its universities to help the planet, and the country, deliver the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It’s wonderful we are partnering with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to host the Global Sustainable Development Congress. The event unites governments, businesses, and civic society with universities to drive real change.”
The GSDC 2024 is not just an event; it’s a movement towards a sustainable future. It highlights Thailand’s proactive stance and role as a live case study of sustainable practices. As the world looks towards Bangkok, the GSDC stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for the greater good.
Early bird tickets are now available, offering a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative experience. For those eager to contribute to and learn from this gathering of minds, the GSDC 2024 is an essential platform.
Written by: Christine Nguyen
