Thailand convened the “Experience the Future of Life” symposium in Paris, France, to showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation ahead of hosting the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand. The symposium highlighted the Expo’s theme, “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity,” and focused on promoting innovative and collaborative solutions towards a sustainable future. The symposium showcased Thailand’s success stories in sustainability, including the country’s readiness to host the Expo, Phuket’s capacity and readiness, and the Thai government’s full support of the budget for the Expo.
The symposium also showcased the country’s progress on environmental and social fronts. For instance, Mr Chankit Chamnivikaipong, a professional cinematographer and founder of the ThaiWhales Website, shared his experience and work in the conservation of whales in the Gulf of Thailand and the conservation of leatherback turtles in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. Dr Veerathai Santiprabhob, Secretary-General of Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and Former Governor of the Bank of Thailand, illustrated the case study of the royal Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai Province, which has become a Sustainable Alternative Livelihood Development project providing alternative cash crop and reforestation for the ethnic groups residing in the area.
Phuket’s representative, Mr Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, President of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation and Advisory Chairman of Phuket Tourist Association, highlighted the island’s sustainability master plan and sustainable activities, including three projects focusing on individual carbon offset, food before the waste project, and low carbon destination. The symposium also featured the architect group responsible for site design and development, expressing confidence in the Expo as the perfect platform to demonstrate the future way of life that humans can co-exist with nature harmoniously.
Mrs Phantipha Iamsudha Ekarohit, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, reiterated Thailand’s absolute commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals and, thus, the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand’s potential to deliver meaningful progress towards sustainable development, leading humanity to a sustainable future of life for all. Thailand will prioritize inclusive participation by all countries and people, offering tailor-made benefits like capacity-building workshops, educational programs, and scholarships to participating countries, enabling post-expo partnerships, and paving the way for future and long-term cooperation.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
