ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue

On 17 August 2026, delivering the Keynote Address, Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana underscored the importance of empowering youth as active contributors as she delivered an opening speech as a guest of honour, highlighting the vital role of future generations in advancing sustainable development at the Sustainable Development Programme 2026: Youth Research & Action Conference.

The event is organised by the Environmental Education Centre on 17 August 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. Through their seven-month journey, participating students have explored sustainability challenges, gathered evidence, engaged with local communities and developed initiatives that demonstrate how local action can contribute to practical solutions aligning with the sustainable development framework.
Read more: www.acsdsd.org/news/eec-2026/

ACSDSD, Chaipattana Foundation Discuss Potential Collaboration

Bangkok, 10 August 2026 – Executive Director Phasporn Sangasubana and Project Manager Suchada Phruthonkul of ACSDSD, met with Dr. Suleeporn Bunbongkarn Choopavang, Director of Foreign Affairs at the Chaipattana Foundation, to discuss potential collaboration.

The Chaipattana Foundation, established under a royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama 9), has long focused on empowering farmers through agricultural projects that promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

The Foundation expressed interest in collaborating on youth-related initiatives and supporting ACSDSD’s project, “ASEAN Collective Values beyond Boundaries: Translating Community Knowledge into Real-World Impact.”

Happy 59th ASEAN Day from the ACSDSD

ASEAN reached its 59th Anniversary. Under the shared ASEAN Community Vision 2045, we all are part of the community that aims to be resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN. On 6-7 August, ACSDSD attended the C ASEAN youth speech contest, where Ms. Phasporn Sangasubana adjudicated the speeches of youth across ASEAN, drawing attention to food security, education, disaster management and how our community can prevent it by strengthening our resilience in social governance and the environment sector.
(2) At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand on 7 August, Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul
ACSDSD exhibited a vibrant booth for Thai youth and policymakers to create visibility to our circular economy project. (3) At the ASEAN Secretariat on 7-8 August, Ms. Tanida Bowornthanasathit, Senior Project Manager of the ACSDSD, celebrated ASEAN heritage with our exhibition amongst ASEAN centres, regionally communicating our sustainable development initiatives to our ASEAN friends to advance with a more people-centered community.

We will have more event to comes this month to celebrate ASEAN.
Stay tuned with ACSDSD!

Happy ASEAN Day to all!

Today, ASEAN marks its 59th Anniversary under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

The celebration will feature remarks by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chair of ASEAN for 2026; and H.E. Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Join us as we reflect on ASEAN’s shared journey and look ahead to the future we continue to build together.

🗓️ Saturday, 8 August 2026
🕘 09:00–10:00 (Jakarta Time)
📺 Watch live: bit.ly/LIVE-59thASEANDay

C asean Forum 2026 is here!
Theme: "Resilient ASEAN: Connectivity as a Competitive Advantage."

In celebration of the 59th ASEAN Day, C asean cordially invites representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and all interested participants to join us.

As ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, strengthening regional connectivity has become essential to enhancing the region's economic, social, and environmental resilience. C asean Forum 2026 will convene distinguished policymakers, business leaders, and experts from across ASEAN to exchange perspectives on advancing regional collaboration and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth.

Program Highlights:
💡Keynote Address by
H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara
Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
— Reflecting on ASEAN's journey over the past decades, exploring emerging opportunities for the region's long-term resilience, and reaffirming a shared vision for deeper regional cooperation.

💡Panel Discussion
“Strengthening ASEAN's Economic and Social Resilience,” featuring distinguished speakers including:
- Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank
- Mr. Joel Ang, Vice President and Head, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Singapore Economic Development Board
- More to be announced.
— Exploring strategies to strengthen regional connectivity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth amid evolving global challenges.

💡Panel Discussion
“Strengthening ASEAN's Physical Resilience,” featuring distinguished speakers including:
- Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok
- Mrs. Wannaporn Pui Phornprapha, Founder and Managing Director, P Landscape Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Satoshi Iemoto, Chief Advisor, Project for Enhancing Climate Actions at Local Level (Thailand), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
— Examining climate adaptation, resilient urban development, and regional collaboration through innovative approaches and international best practices.

Join us in shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient ASEAN.
🔗Free Registration
Scan the QR code or register at:
https://for

C asean Forum 2026 is here!
Theme: "Resilient ASEAN: Connectivity as a Competitive Advantage."

In celebration of the 59th ASEAN Day, C asean cordially invites representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and all interested participants to join us.

As ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, strengthening regional connectivity has become essential to enhancing the region's economic, social, and environmental resilience. C asean Forum 2026 will convene distinguished policymakers, business leaders, and experts from across ASEAN to exchange perspectives on advancing regional collaboration and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth.

Program Highlights:
💡Keynote Address by
H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara
Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
— Reflecting on ASEAN's journey over the past decades, exploring emerging opportunities for the region's long-term resilience, and reaffirming a shared vision for deeper regional cooperation.

💡Panel Discussion
“Strengthening ASEAN's Economic and Social Resilience,” featuring distinguished speakers including:
- Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank
- Mr. Joel Ang, Vice President and Head, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Singapore Economic Development Board
- More to be announced.
— Exploring strategies to strengthen regional connectivity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth amid evolving global challenges.

💡Panel Discussion
“Strengthening ASEAN's Physical Resilience,” featuring distinguished speakers including:
- Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok
- Mrs. Wannaporn Pui Phornprapha, Founder and Managing Director, P Landscape Co., Ltd.
- Mr. Satoshi Iemoto, Chief Advisor, Project for Enhancing Climate Actions at Local Level (Thailand), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
— Examining climate adaptation, resilient urban development, and regional collaboration through innovative approaches and international best practices.

Join us in shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient ASEAN.
🔗Free Registration
Scan the QR code or register at:
https://forms.gle/fvzi6zp7Km3M3LTQ6

Date: Friday, 7 August 2026
Time: 13:00–16:50 hrs.
Venue: C asean Auditorium, 10th Floor, CW Tower, Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u6prBnZMVqkcr3mZ7

Remark: All sessions will be conducted in English, with Thai simultaneous interpretation provided.

For more sustainable development-related event:
www.acsdsd.org/events/2026-c-asean-forum/
C asean

♻️ Did You Know? Cambodia is building a pathway towards a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 through circular economy principles.
Over the past two decades, Cambodia has recorded an average annual economic growth rate of 7.3%. However, rapid growth has also increased demand for energy, transport, and natural resources, while exposing the country to greater climate risks. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Cambodia ranked among the world's most climate-vulnerable countries between 1999 and 2018.
To address these challenges, Cambodia has adopted a National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan, alongside its Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN). These efforts aim to transform key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transport.

🚜 In agriculture, Cambodia is promoting biodigesters, organic fertilisers, composting technologies, and lower-emission farming practices.
⚡ In energy, the country is pursuing energy efficiency standards, renewable energy expansion, grid modernisation, and waste-to-energy solutions.
🚍 In transport, Cambodia is encouraging public transportation, electric vehicles, rail freight, and low-emission transport systems as part of its journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Cambodia's experience highlights how the circular economy is not only about waste management—it is about redesigning .
Learn more in the comments.

♻️𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘? Circular economy turns waste streams into reliable energy inputs by cutting waste, recovering materials, and lowering demand for virgin fuels.

Across ASEAN, initiatives in agriculture, energy, and transport are transforming waste streams into renewable energy, improving resource efficiency, and reducing reliance on virgin fuels. From biomass energy development and renewable energy integration to energy efficiency standards and green building policies, the region is advancing practical solutions for sustainable growth.

One of the key drivers for circular economy transition in ASEAN is the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform under ACSDSD, which brings together policymakers, businesses, academia, and civil society to accelerate sustainable consumption and production through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovative projects.

As economies grow, the challenge is meeting the rising energy demand while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Through regional cooperation on a circular economy, ASEAN is building a more resilient and low-carbon future.

This year's ASEAN Networking Symposium organized by the ACSDSD is looking forward to exploring how just transition, digital transformation and resilience can unlock new opportunities ASEAN. 🌱⚡
🌏Learn more: acsdsd.org/sdgs/dyk-energy

Why ASEAN’s role could grow in significance in the Post‑2030 SDGs era
ACSDSD summarized SDG Learncast by Unitar titled "SDGs and Beyond: Rethinking Multilateralism for the Post-2030 Era" by Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and how it involves ASEAN.

As the world transitions to an increasingly , regional groupings are emerging as critical actors in shaping solutions for shared challenges of sustainable development.

For , this presents a unique opportunity to move beyond coordination and become a platform for implementation. From climate resilience and energy transition to digital transformation and regional connectivity, many of today's challenges are inherently and cannot be solved by any country acting alone.

Thai language available : www.acsdsd.org/sdgs/why-aseans-role-could-grow-in-significance-in-the-post-2030-sdgs-era/