Thammasat joins forces at GCNT Expo 2026 to drive Thailand’s sustainable transition

     Thammasat University is advancing its role on the national stage, contributing to and facilitating the country’s transition towards sustainability at the GCNT Expo 2026: From SHOCK To SHIFT – Thailand’s Sustainable Transition in a Fractured World, taking place from September 2-4, 2026, at True Digital Park, Bangkok, organized by the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT).

     Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Orapan Yolrabil, Vice Rector for Strategic Partnerships and Value Creation, as well as faculty members, staff, and students from various departments of Thammasat University, participated in the event to exchange knowledge, present innovative works, and learn about sustainable development strategies from various sectors.

     GCNT Expo 2026 unites leaders across sectors to address global trends, build strategies, and advance Thailand’s sustainable development.

     On September 4, 2026, Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn joined a panel with business and education leaders on “Future-Ready Talent: Thai Education and the Challenges for Future Workforce” to address evolving workforce needs.

     TU Rector emphasized aligning education with national, industrial, and workforce needs. While AI offers quick access to information, education’s core value lies in a learning process that builds analytical skills, problem-solving, teamwork, and practical application. Universities must prepare students for work and life, not just graduation, by providing hands-on experience and collaborating with business, government, and society to bridge classroom learning with real-world challenges.

     Beyond human resource development, Thammasat University showcased social innovations. Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Bunyong Rungroungdouyboon, the Faculty of Engineering presented the “Space Walker,” a Dynamic Partial Body Weight Support System. Developed by researchers at the CED-Square Innovation Center, the device helps patients and the elderly practice standing and walking safely.

     On September 3, 2026, Thammasat University faculty members, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitrawee Jiraratsatit (Faculty of Public Health), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanatorn Tanantong (Faculty of Science and Technology), and Dr. Peerawit Chantharata (Faculty of Engineering), participated in Charoen Pokphand Group’s Stakeholder Forum 2026: Sustainable Dialogue for A Better Tomorrow. The forum gathered stakeholder perspectives to align sustainability goals for 2030 under “The Triple Hs: Heart, Health, and Home” framework.

     Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarute Ummartyotin, Associate Dean for Strategy and Human Resource Development at the Faculty of Science and Technology, led Sustainable Management (SUMA) students to the GCNT Expo 2026 for experiential learning. The students explored Thai business transition strategies via panel discussions, booths, and media. Topics included Green Rules & Green Supply Chain, Sustainable & Transition Finance, and Natural Capital, with insights from leaders in government, the UN, and the private sector. This visit bridged classroom theory with real-world sustainability challenges.