Host of the SDSN Thailand

Thammasat University, by its Centre of SDG Research and Support (formerly the SDG Research and Support Programme) within the Faculty of Economics, is a co-host institution of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Thailand, alongside Chulalongkorn University and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

Founded in 2012 by Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, the SDSN is a global academic network dedicated to mobilising multidisciplinary expertise to address sustainability challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 800 member organisations across 35 countries, the SDSN fosters collaborative solutions.

SDSN Thailand was established in March 2020 with support from over 20 organisations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union in Thailand, and the Swiss Embassy. The co-host institutions—Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, and NSTDA’s Technology and Informatics Institute for Sustainability—guide the network’s four key objectives:

  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue
  • Developing thematic networks
  • Providing advisory support for decision-makers and monitoring progress
  • Strengthening sustainability research and education

Currently (2020), SDSN Thailand comprises nine official members:

  • Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University
  • Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prince of Songkla University
  • Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University (SDG Move)
  • Freeland (NGO)
  • Institute for Peace Studies, Prince of Songkla University
  • National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)
  • Thailand Development Research Institute Foundation (TDRI)
  • Thailand Sustainable Development Foundation (TSDF)
  • Thaipat Institute

Furthermore, SDSN Thailand collaborates with over 35 academic institutions nationwide, expanding its reach and impact.

Please see detail documents below

TU103: Life and Sustainability

Thammasat University’s General Education program includes TU103: Life and Sustainability, a course designed to equip all students with a foundational understanding of sustainability principles. This course is structured into three distinct modules: Economics, Built Environment, and Environmental Science, each spanning five weeks.

Economic Module: This module delves into the historical roots of unsustainability, examining both Thai and global contexts. It highlights pressing global challenges, particularly climate change, and introduces key international initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Students explore relevant economic theories and real-world applications, culminating in a group project where they propose solutions to a self-selected sustainability issue.

Built Environment Module: Led by the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, this module explores the intricate relationship between physical environments and social dynamics. Students learn how sustainability principles apply to the built environment, from individual buildings to entire cities. Group activities focus on design and sustainability, fostering practical application of learned concepts.

Environmental Science Module: This module provides a comprehensive overview of sustainability challenges within various natural resource sectors, including water, forests, food, and agriculture. Students are introduced to technological and scientific solutions, such as carbon footprint measurement tools and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, empowering them to understand and address global environmental issues.

Throughout TU103, a dynamic blend of lectures and active learning methodologies encourages student engagement and promotes a deeper understanding of sustainability.