Sustaining the Planet for our Future Generations.

Byline: H. E Mr. Don Pramudwinai

In the digital age and present context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), we often hear about "big data" and the "Internet of Things (IOT)," which to some, may sound highly technical and virtually digital. While Thailand is fully aware of the opportunities and challenges that come with modernity, we also seek an all-encompassing human dimension of inclusive development, particularly during our year as ASEAN Chair. This is why we came up with the theme "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability," to promote the "Sustainability of Things (SOT)," which means sustainability in all dimensions.

Sustainable development is an overarching concept that is directly related to SOT. However, the first aspect of sustainability that usually comes to mind of the public is environmental sustainability, which is a significant component of the concept and part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or SDGs. These 17 SDGs are simply grouped into 5Ps with the goal to save the planet, foster peace, create prosperity, enhance partnership, and nourish our people.

With regard to the 'planet,' fresh air and clean water are among the basic yet fundamental essentials for human beings and all other creatures that share this world with us. Sadly, Mother Earth has been harmed and taken for granted by humans more than anyone else throughout history. The fact that several SDGs give importance to the rehabilitation and conservation of our planet reflects the rising environmental concerns and the call for a more balanced development, widely known as the concept of 'circular economy,' which is gaining ground globally.

Thailand recognizes that enhancing environmental sustainability is inextricably linked to social and economic development, and is one of the key conditions for sustainable development. We have therefore adopted measures to conserve, restore, and manage our natural resources and environment in a more sustainable manner, and included these elements in our 20-Year National Strategy Framework (2017 - 2036).

For instance, Thailand has launched the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Roadmap on Mitigation (2021 - 2030) to ensure that we meet our targets on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 25 % by 2030. Some progress has been made so far. Last year, we managed to reduce the emission of 45.72 million tonnes of carbon dioxide or 12% of the targeted 7 - 20% by 2020. Moreover, about 24...