As the first in Thailand, ESG Symposium 2022 organized on July 19 joined private and public sectors, the people, and global alliances as they collaborate for ESG, accelerating solutions for crisis after crisis in global warming, COVID-19 aftereffects, inflation, and soaring energy costs. Consensus included pressing plans to establish Thailand’s first collaborating consortium for net-zero innovation development, seeking to pool know-how, technologies from international parties and is expected to roll on by the end of this year. Moreover, private organizations are declaring proactive network expansions for a green economy throughout the value chain. The 10 initiatives will further discuss collaboration on low-carbon society support with the government. Some examples include infrastructures that facilitate clean and renewable energy usage, green financing support, efficient waste management system, fostering waste sorting habits, and sustainable designs.

Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President & CEO, SCG explained at ESG Symposium 2022: Achieving ESG and Growing Sustainability that “SD Symposium, which SCG has been consecutively hosting for 11 years, is taking a leap to an ESG Symposium. We are looking to expand collaborations in accordance with the ESG guidelines as it is the sole pathway to alleviate the crisis after crisis that is upon us. Previously, the platform delivered global collaborations to local circumstances, creating change and tangible crisis solutions. For instance, the joint success prompted a roadmap for net-zero GHG emissions between cement and concrete industries in Thailand and Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). This attempts to gear Thailand’s cement industries toward the net-zero GHG emissions goal by 2050, aligning with global milestones. Also, plans are underway to present the plan at COP 27 during November in Egypt. Another example is the collaboration to sustainably address plastic waste in the ocean with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), a world-renowned non-profit organization consisting of companies in the plastics industry value chain, ranging from manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers to those managing plastic wastes”.   

“Despite past awareness and actions in homes, communities, local levels, and global cooperation, we still have not caught up with the world crises that have exponentially increased and moved closer to humans. This extends to unpredictable climates, severe droughts, floods, inadequate resources, food crises, and energy scarcity all over the world. This is worsened by new waves of COVID-19, emerging infectious diseases as well as inflation and poverty which widens the social inequality gap. At present, the earth’s temperature has risen 1.1° Celsius and without immediate collaboration for solutions, if the earth heats up to over the 1.5° Celsius threshold, mankind will be unable to live as we used to. Thus, this is everyone’s emergency which requires all sectors to take action. This can begin as simple action alterations, before expanding to collaborations that aim for prompt fixes. Therefore, ESG Symposium 2022 attempts to gain speed to acquire more collaborations and overtake the world crises. This covers all aspects of the environment, society, and governance, as a foundation for all operations,” Mr. Roongrote elaborated.

Mr. Thammasak Sethaudom, Executive Vice President and Co-Chair, Sustainable Development Committee, SCG explains brainstorming outputs at ESG Symposium 2022. Two final collaboration conclusions are practicable and scalable, and this shall drive Thailand towards net-zero GHG emissions by 2065.

In addition, ESG Symposium 2022 highlights the necessity to reduce social inequality. This is represented by encouraging women and young generations’ shared role in driving the economy and solving crises. As women possess crucial roles in caring for and providing for the family, thus, this is an essential economic driver for both the communities and the nation. At the event, there are sharing sessions to inspire women while reflecting on their potential. This shall prepare women for further knowledge and skill development that will equip them with tools to overcome life’s difficulties via sources of income, stable professions, and self-sufficiency. This aligns with APEC 2022 Thailand’s objectives to promote the economic empowerment of women. Furthermore, the event invites acknowledgment of new generations’ potential and their role in driving ESG. They can contribute diverse ideas and skill sets that can narrow down the inequality gap and uplift the quality of life for ASEAN’s marginalized groups. Some success stories are young representatives from Indonesia who developed the solar power film roll innovation for low-income families and Thailand’s representatives who developed a sign language translation program for the disabled’s greater convenience.

“Relieving the crisis ranks first in every person and every sector's agenda. They must act now and collaborate to create tangible outcomes. I strongly believe that outputs from the ESG Symposium 2022 are practical and scalable as planned. SCG is dedicated to helping coordinate with all related parties and track progress. This is because, to bear fruit and see results, the collaboration must advance while benefiting all in the value chain. This shall contribute to building the Green Economy, in line with the BCG concept (B - Bioeconomy, C - Circular economy, G - Green economy) to deliver a sustainable world for generations to come,” Mr. Roongrote concluded.