BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 October 2026 – The ESG Symposium 2026 is advancing from a forum for dialogue to regional-level action under the theme 'ASEAN in Action: Powering Inclusive Green Transition.' Building on last year's proposals, the Symposium is driving three key agendas—Energy Transition, Just Transition, and Climate Adaptation—and linking them with Public–Private–People Partnership (4P) collaboration to move from policy to implementation in business and local communities. The event, organized by SCG together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and partners, connects leaders from government, business, finance, international organizations, and academia to address ASEAN's challenges: energy security, climate adaptation, and creating a green economy with green jobs. This shift matters because it signals a tangible, scalable approach to sustainability that could accelerate change across the region, moving beyond pledges to concrete actions that enhance competitiveness and resilience.
Mr. Joe Phelan, Executive Director - Asia Pacific at WBCSD, emphasized that the sustainability transition is tied to competitiveness, security, and investment. 'The key lies in connecting policy, investment, technology, and people through collaboration among government, business, the financial sector, and communities,' he said. In Thailand, the business sector is expected to play a crucial role, particularly by helping SMEs adapt to the green economy. Dr. Phacharaphot Nuntramas, Krungthai Chief Economist and JSCCIB Economist, noted that Thailand must use the Green Transition to enhance competitiveness and attract investment, with end-to-end implementation and inclusive transition where large businesses help upgrade SMEs. The JSCCIB is ready to carry proposals forward through the Reinvent Thailand platform.
The Symposium's three agendas reflect progress and new challenges. On Energy Transition, discussions moved to raising the readiness of the energy system, including grid flexibility, grid-forming technology, and adjusting the Power Development Plan. Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongphan from TDRI proposed accelerating resilient infrastructure, increasing solar and bioenergy, upgrading grids, and liberalizing the energy market to balance security, cost, and decarbonization. On Just Transition, new approaches like Funding Connect and SME Green Transition Plus aim to help SMEs access knowledge, technology, funding, and markets. Mr. Veerachai Monsintorn of FTI suggested tailored support starting with a pilot group to create a comprehensive prototype. On Climate Adaptation, the focus expanded to an AI Simulation Platform for flood risk, with plans for public access and ASEAN-level risk mapping. Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsak Suttinon of Chulalongkorn University proposed shifting to advance preparedness through a One Water Data Center and dual-use infrastructure, extending water management toward a Water Economy.
Mr. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, highlighted clear progress across all three agendas and stressed the need to scale up. 'Public–Private–People Partnership, or 4P, can deliver real results: the public sector creates conditions, the private sector brings technology and capital, and the people's sector participates in defining needs,' he said. Drawing on lessons from Saraburi Province, the 4P model should be scaled to other areas, starting by studying local needs and identifying partners. This collaborative approach, if expanded concretely, will accelerate change, build a competitive economy, and effectively address climate change, opening the way for every sector to grow together.
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