17.2.2 Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs

In 2024, Srinakharinwirot University advanced cross-sector dialogue on the SDGs through various activities—including university-led forums, collaborative exhibitions, student volunteering, and partnership-based research—bringing together government, NGOs, academia, and communities. These platforms strengthened networks, translated knowledge into practice, and mobilised action toward climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, inclusive governance, and conservation.

International Forum on Sufficiency Economy Principle Climate Crisis and Summit of the Future

In 2024, the Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), in collaboration with regional and international partners, organized the Cross sectoral dialogue about SDGs. Forum to advance research, education, and community engagement for sustainable development. The initiative united over 200 participants from universities, government officers, NGOs, and development agencies across Asia to co-create solutions promoting climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive governance.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Joyashree Roy (Asian Institute of Technology), Dr. Albert Salamanca (Stockholm Environment Institute, SEI Asia), Dr. Priyanut Dharmapiya (Center for Sufficiency Economy Studies, NIDA), Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnag (Thammasat University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopphol Witvorapong (Chulalongkorn University), Mr. Mrinal Kanti Tripura (Executive Director, Maleya Foundation, Bangladesh), Dr. Anthony Pramualratana (Deputy Executive Director ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Arunee Limmanee (Thammasat University), Mr. Yongyuth Yuthavong (Former Minister of Science and Technology and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand).

Through student volunteering programmes, participatory research, and the co-development of educational resources, the forum fostered partnerships with NGOs working on community-based disaster management, food security, and environmental education. Students from SWU and partner universities participated in field projects on risk mapping, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation in northern Thailand, with direct contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The forum underscored the vital role of academia–NGO collaboration in achieving the SDGs—transforming research into local action and empowering youth to co-create resilient and equitable communities across the Asia-Pacific region.

Seub Nakhasathien exhibition

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), through the Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Club, initiated and hosted a cross-sector dialogue on SDG themes via the exhibition “Seub Nakhasathien” at the Central Library, Srinakharinwirot University. The programme combined knowledge translation and public engagement: curated exhibition boards on conservation history and practice; a formal lecture by external conservation speakers; and “music for conservation” to broaden public outreach. The event drew 159 participants and positioned students as conveners in an academic venue that welcomed the wider conservation community.

Substantive linkages to the SDGs included SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through biodiversity and environmental stewardship content, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through evidence-based exhibits and a structured public lecture, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between student organisers, university units, and external speakers from the conservation field. Outcomes reported by the organisers indicate gains in conservation literacy, commemoration of Seub Nakhasathien, a national conservation leader, and attitudinal change among attendees toward environmental responsibility. 

It represents SWU’s continuing practice of initiating and participating in cross-sector SDG dialogues—convening students, academic staff, and external conservation actors in a shared forum to exchange knowledge, mobilise awareness, and strengthen community partnerships.