Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is empowering new-generation CEOs to turn global crises into business opportunities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry awarded certificates to graduates of the "Environmental Governance Program 11-12," equipping them with the skills necessary to transform global crises into business opportunities and cultivate leaders in environmental governance to drive the country towards Net Zero.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), through the Department of Climate Change and Environment, collaborated with Chulalongkorn University to organize a seminar entitled "Modern CEOs: Transforming Climate Challenges into Business Opportunities." This event, which included a certificate and pin awarding ceremony for graduates of the 11th and 12th cohorts of the Advanced Environmental Governance Certificate Program (AEGP), took place at the Makkhawan Rangsan Room, Royal Thai Army Club (Vibhavadi), Bangkok. The seminar aimed to foster partnerships among modern leaders in sustainable environmental management.
Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, assigned Ms. Preeyaporn Suwankaset, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, to preside over the ceremony, offering congratulations and words of encouragement to the graduates. He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change in global negotiations and emphasized that Thailand, despite its relatively small greenhouse gas emissions, is highly vulnerable to climate impacts. He noted that achieving the Net Zero goal requires the vision and participation of high-level executives, expressing hope that the graduates will become leaders of change and role models of environmental governance.
Dr. Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, explained that the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) enhances the capabilities of high-level executives from various sectors, equipping them with knowledge and skills in climate change management based on good governance principles. The program aims to enable them to collaboratively translate policy into action. The ceremony saw 77 graduates from the 11th cohort and 93 graduates from the 12th cohort receiving certificates and pins, totaling 170 graduates.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion on "Modern CEOs: Transforming Climate Challenges into Business Opportunities," featuring national speakers such as Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Mr. Wat Chiraroj, and Prof. Dr. Pisut Piermonkul. They shared strategies for business adaptation and how to leverage environmental trends to transform climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
The Executive Program in Environmental Management (EPEM) has been operational since 2014, producing over 10 cohorts with 647 senior environmental managers. The graduation of the 11th and 12th cohorts marks a significant step in strengthening the network of leaders who will be pivotal in driving Thailand towards stable and sustainable growth in the face of the climate crisis.