Thammasat Answers the Call of the SDGs: Building a ‘Workforce for Sustainability’ to Propel Thailand into a £8 Trillion Global Green Economy

HIGHLIGHTS

Thammasat launches a national roadmap to build a “Workforce for Sustainability.” – The University positions sustainability as an economic imperative — preparing talent to meet emerging global regulations, ESG standards, and green-economy growth.
SDGs are becoming global economic rules shaping trade and investment. – With mechanisms such as CBAM redefining supply chains, Thammasat equips leaders and graduates to navigate policy shifts and strengthen Thailand’s global competitiveness.
Three pioneering programmes develop sustainability talent across all levels. – From undergraduate learners to senior executives, the programmes build expertise in ESG management, human potential and well-being, and sustainability leadership for real-world transformation.
A holistic “upstream–downstream” approach drives systemic impact. – By integrating education, professional upskilling, and leadership development, Thammasat accelerates Thailand’s transition toward a green, resilient, and future-ready economy.

Time is ticking. With only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world is witnessing a massive paradigm shift. Governments, corporations, and educational institutions are fundamentally rethinking how they operate, invest, and develop people. Sustainability is no longer an optional agenda — it has become a defining force shaping global competitiveness.

Thammasat University is stepping up to the challenge by moving forward with a strategic roadmap to create a “Workforce for Sustainability.” More than an academic initiative, this roadmap serves as a national capacity-building platform designed to prepare Thailand for the new era of the global economy.

Prof. Dr Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, highlighted that the SDGs are no longer just voluntary goals; they are transforming into “Global Organising Mechanisms” that dictate emerging trade, investment, and economic rules. Regulatory frameworks such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are reshaping supply chains and international business operations.

In this context, the Green Economy is projected to reach a value of $10.3 trillion (approx. 300 trillion THB) by 2050, representing one of the world’s most significant engines of future economic growth.

To ensure Thailand captures this opportunity, Thammasat has developed three pioneering programmes covering the entire spectrum of human capital development — from undergraduate learners to high-level executives.

1. Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management – College of Interdisciplinary Studies

This programme is a flagship collaboration between the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, multiple faculties, and the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT). It is designed to produce the next generation of “ESG Architects.”

The Focus: developing graduates with strong expertise in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles through an interdisciplinary learning model.
The Edge: students gain over 1,000 hours of real-world internship experience, in Thailand and abroad, working with leading corporations, sustainability-driven enterprises, NGOs, and partner institutions.

Graduates emerge not only with academic knowledge — but as industry-ready sustainability professionals capable of driving organisational transformation.

2. Bachelor of Arts in Human Potential and Well-being – Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education

Sustainability is not only environmental — it is fundamentally about investing in people and improving quality of life. This programme responds to global demand for specialists in mental health, human development, and well-being innovation.

The Focus: integrating Psychology, Neuroscience, Learning Sciences, and Therapeutic Approaches to understand complex human behaviour and resilience.
The Edge: preparing graduates to become experts in Human Potential and Well-Being, supporting sustainable human resource development, inclusive organisational culture, and community and social well-being ecosystems.

These professionals play a key role in building healthy, adaptive, future-ready societies.

3. TU ESG NEXT for Sustainability Leadership – Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources

Meaningful transformation must also be led from the top. This executive training programme cultivates strategic Change Agents across government, private sector, and state enterprises.

The Focus: empowering leaders with advanced ESG & SDG knowledge, sustainability investment frameworks, and climate-related risk management.
The Edge: participants work with Thailand’s leading lecturers and sustainability practitioners, developing real organisational roadmaps that can be implemented immediately.

The programme strengthens leadership capacity to navigate global regulatory shifts and accelerate Thailand’s transition to a green and resilient economy.

A Holistic Strategy: From Upstream to Downstream

Prof. Dr Supasawad Chardchawarn emphasised the strategic cohesion of the three programmes:

“They cover the entire spectrum — from producing fresh graduates to upskilling high-level executives. We are addressing needs from upstream to downstream, helping organisations adapt securely to sustainability and generating momentum for the country’s new economy.”

Through this integrated strategy, Thammasat University is not only developing a workforce for sustainability — but shaping a new generation of leaders who will drive Thailand toward a sustainable and competitive future.