Chula Launches “TOP Green” Executive Sustainability Program in Partnership with Climate Change Department and Private Sector Networks 

Chulalongkorn University, together with the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and the UN Global Compact Network Thailand, held a press conference to launch the “TOP Green Executive Program.” The event was attended by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Ms. Nareerat Panmanee, Representative of the Department of Climate Change and Environment; Mr. Amornthep Taveephanich, Representative of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Adul K.Laorr, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries; and Dr. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Thailand. The conference took place on October 30, 2024, on the ground floor of the Visid Prachuabmoh Building, Chulalongkorn University. 

Today, the world is facing a “Global Boiling” crisis. For Thailand to grow sustainably under a Green Transition, aiming to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065, the country requires leaders with a deep understanding of sustainability who can foster collaborations across public and private sectors to address challenges comprehensively. A high-level executive program to build a network of sustainability leaders for the nation has, therefore, become crucial. 

Chulalongkorn University, through the Environmental Research Institute, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, CU Envi Enterprise, and Degree Plus, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and the UN Global Compact Network Thailand, has developed the “TOP Green” training program. This high-level executive program is designed for leaders seeking to make an impact beyond sustainability. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, remarked, “Sustainability is not a new issue for Chulalongkorn. Many initiatives began within the university, such as Green Building Design Standards in building projects or the Chula Zero Waste project, which reduced plastic bag usage at Chulalongkorn by over 90%. On a national scale, we recognize the challenges to achieving Sustainable Growth, encompassing economic, social, and environmental issues. We are honored to co-host the TOP Green Program with five leading organizations to build a network of sustainable leaders for the future.” 

He added, “Sustainability is not a one-person endeavor but a collective responsibility of all organizations. Leaders from each organization must join forces and learn together. This program is a hub for high-level executives to learn from top instructors, focusing not on short-term sustainability but on long-term strategic planning in line with Chulalongkorn’s strategy for sustainable social development. We invite organizational leaders to join this program, the first and only one that unites impactful sustainability leaders across Thailand, developed in collaboration with five key partners to drive organizational and societal change toward sustainability.” 

Professor Dr. Pisut Painmanakul, Program Director, stated, “Designing the program with partners from both public and private sectors has enabled us to create a curriculum that addresses all sectors’ needs. The TOP Green Program is a high-level executive course for transformational leaders with a vision beyond sustainability. It is ideal for business owners, board members, C-level executives, and senior government officials driving national policies or overseeing related areas.” 

Ms. Nareerat Panmanee, representing the Department of Climate Change and Environment, noted, “Chulalongkorn University is a key leader in sustainability transformation. Our department focuses on environmental planning, impact assessment, and systematic problem-solving. This program will help spread knowledge to various social dimensions, fostering a broader understanding and involvement in sustainable solutions.” 

Mr. Amornthep Taveephanich, representing the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, commented, “In the sectors of commerce, service, and tourism, we are ready to adapt, focusing on three key concepts: Connect, Competitive, and Sustainable. If all sectors, including the government, private sector, public, and academic institutions, collaborate as a robust ecosystem, long-term success is achievable.” 

Mr. Adul K.Laorr, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, stated, “The Thai industrial sector still faces adaptation challenges. Therefore, we have established the Institute for Climate Change Transformation to support national development, driven by the 4-Go concept: Go Digital, Go Innovation, Go Global, and Go Green, enabling us to advance steadily and progressively.” 

Dr. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawuth, Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Thailand, expressed, “We expect academia and business to work closely, integrating diverse ideas into a forward-looking curriculum that provides a broad perspective for long-term sustainability. The key question this program will answer is what type of business can meet future needs and thrive.” 

For more information about the program, please contact the Environmental Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University. 
Ms. Kochamon Dampat, Program Officer, Tel: 08-8879-3107
LINE: @topgreen 
E-mail: topgreen@degree.plus 
Facebook: TOP Green Executive Program
Website: https://lifelong.chula.ac.th/topgreen/ 

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