Remarks of Resident Coordinator at the 10th SCG Symposium on Sustainable Development

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to address you all today at the 10th SCG Symposium on Sustainable Development. First of all, let me say 'congratulations to the Siam Cement Group' for hosting this event for ten years in a row.' This event shows SCG's commitment to making this world a more livable place and a leading corporate in the area of green/sustainable businesses.

I am even more delighted to learn that this year's symposium will focus on the circular economy. In the past decade, we see a trend of accelerating natural resource extraction every year since 2000. This results in a disproportionate burden on our environment. The circular economy is indeed a concept that recently gained prominence as a solution to sustainable development challenges. It addresses the core problem of responsible consumption and production, which is the 12th Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The circular economy, which involves reuse and recycles in the designs of the economy, will help reduce waste and environmental extraction. Corporates can contribute to SDG 12 by transforming its business model around reuse and recycle while policymakers can promote facilitate the implementation of the ideas with business sectors and the wider public.  

This is the first step toward the goal of creating a sustainable business or green business. I envision the world where companies can maintain profit but do not jeopardise the needs of future generations as per the definition of sustainable development as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

I want to reiterate here that Sustainable Development Goals are not the responsibility of any particular entity or sector. The United Nations or the governments alone cannot do this. That is why the United Nations created the Global Compact Network for like-minded corporates can work with the UN to develop a sustainable development approach for their businesses. We have only 10 years left before 2030. Therefore, all sectors in society need to collaborate and take action immediately in driving for the Global Goals. The event today emphasizes that the business sector has a crucial role to play in driving cooperation and awareness of sustainable development. Without the business sectors taking part in this mission, it is impossible to create a global impact. 

The Sustainable Development Goals is an unprecedented opportunity for us to combat threats to our people and our planet. It is an aspiration -- an ambitious goal for the next ten years. Although it is a difficult mission, I feel positive that we will win against the race of our lifetime. This event is a positive sign that the world will see more inspiring initiatives from the business sector in Thailand in the future. Thank you, everyone, here for joining hands with me to make this world a better place -- for us and the next generation.