The opening ceremony of the Sustainability Expo 2026 (SX2026) yesterday highlighted the sustainability initiatives of Their Majesties King Rama IX and King Rama X.
Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, group chief executive and president of Thai Beverage (ThaiBev) and chairman of the SX2026 organising committee, said the seventh edition of the event focused on the concept of “sufficiency for sustainability”.
Held under His Majesty King Rama X’s initiative to “Continue, Preserve and Build Upon” the work of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, SX2026 seeks to bring together the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of King Rama IX and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles. The expo aims to highlight the links between environmental, economic and social issues, ranging from climate change and natural disasters to food and energy security and resource management. Under the theme “Resilient in Action”, the expo seeks to raise public awareness of the need to build resilience in the face of disruptions, focusing on strengthening individual and community resilience through practical action.
“SX serves as a collaborative platform where knowledge is transformed into real-world action. This year, we are honoured to host more than 800 global sustainability experts and 28 leading public and private sector networks from Thailand and abroad,” he said.
This year’s expo also marks the approach of the 100th anniversary of the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, which falls next year.
“In deep gratitude for His Majesty’s lifelong dedication to the Thai people, this milestone provides a vital opportunity to study royal wisdom, apply the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to daily life, business and social development, and pass these principles on to the younger generation,” Mr Thapana said.
At the opening ceremony, Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation, said the expo had grown in scale since its inception and served as a reminder of King Bhumibol’s words: “The work is not yet done.”
“We must continue working until true sustainability is secured for future generations,” Mr Sumet said.
He also outlined three ways of responding to climate-related challenges: tackling them by thoroughly analysing environmental crises before taking action; retreating by developing organised relocation and evacuation plans when natural forces cannot be overcome; and adapting by designing buildings and changing daily habits to accommodate natural conditions.
He said the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy could guide decisions on these approaches to ensure they benefited the public.
“We must also pass this knowledge on to the younger generation, enabling them to return home and help improve their communities,” he added. The expo at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center ends Nov 15.