The Sustainability Expo 2022 (SX 2022), one of the largest sustainability events in Southeast Asia, will kick off today at the newly renovated Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.
The seven-day event is organised by five corporate sustainability leaders: Frasers Property (Thailand) Plc, PTT Global Chemical Plc, SCG, Thai Beverage Plc, and Thai Union Group Plc, on an area of 40,000 square metres across G and LG floors of the convention centre.
Open from today to Sunday, from 10am to 9pm, the expo is organised under the theme of "Sufficiency for Sustainability".
It applies the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy developed by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great and the First Royal Command of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua proclaiming to "Sustain, Preserve, and Continue" together with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Over 100 companies and 150 speakers from around the world will share their sustainable development practices, including initiatives for a better environment to tackle issues on climate change, programmes for the development of future smart cities, and efforts to promote good health and well-being across various communities.
The expo also has an exhibition zone. The highlight is the main exhibition on the G floor.
Showcases from international and domestic organisations are divided into four zones: "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy & Inspiration", "Better Me", "Better Living" and "Better Community".
The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy & Inspiration zone allows visitors to observe how each organisation embraces sufficiency economy philosophy as a pathway to realising sustainable development goals. Global policies and international initiatives from various countries are also on show here, illustrating the connections between various sustainable development concepts.
The Better Me zone showcases innovations in healthcare, future food and agricultural technology as well as lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The Better Living zone promotes the circular economy concept including clean energy, responsible production and consumption, and efforts by leading corporations to achieve net zero emissions.
The Better Community zone tells a story of how people can contribute to creating a better future for their community, including how we live, learn, work and play. Exhibitions in this area focus on green and digital solutions by global tech companies and experts on sustainable urban development.
Live talks and interactive programmes are featured in three locations: the Grand Plenary Hall, Talk Stage and Youth Stage. Visitors can join forums, panel discussions, workshops and career advice in sustainability.
In addition, activities on the LG floor are designed to give hands-on experiences in sustainable development to visitors. The area is split into three main sections: the SX Food Festival, Planet Kids Playground and Sustainable Marketplace.
The SX Food Festival features more than 100 booths with highlights showcasing celebrity chefs and their work in the area of sustainable food ranging from alternative proteins to functional food.
The festival also promotes circular economy concepts ranging from sustainable packaging to recycling and food waste treatment.
The Planet Kids Playground caters to pre-teen children to create learning activities on sustainability topics including UNSDGs, clean energy, recycling and ocean preservation.
The Sustainable Marketplace comprises more than 200 shops which sell community products, those based on sustainable living design and innovative products for a better environment.