Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the dedicated and visionary Governor of Bangkok, graciously welcomed Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, the esteemed Mayor of Yokohama City, along with the distinguished Yokohama City Executive Committee and representatives from the Japanese Embassy in Thailand. The occasion that brought these leaders together was none other than the much-anticipated BKK EXPO 2024, held at the picturesque Benjakiti Forest Park Museum, nestled in the vibrant Khlong Toei District.
In an event that highlighted global cooperation, both the Governor of Bangkok and the Mayor of Yokohama captivated the audience with a profound and thought-provoking special lecture. The topic at hand was one that resonates deeply in today’s world: cooperation in sustainable development to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions society. Under the theme “City-to-City Cooperation towards Net Zero,” these leaders underscored the pivotal role that collaborative efforts play in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
The Governor of Bangkok extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the Mayor of Yokohama and his delegation, expressing his delight at the opportunity to host such esteemed guests. “It is an honor to have Mayor Yamanaka here with us today. His presence at BKK EXPO signifies the strong bond and shared commitment between our cities,” he remarked with a sense of pride.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Yokohama have nurtured a robust partnership for over a decade, beginning in 2013 with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on sustainable urban development. This enduring collaboration has led to substantial technical and academic support, fostering the growth of a low-carbon society in Bangkok. Mayor Yamanaka elaborated on this fruitful partnership, emphasizing how Yokohama’s efforts have significantly contributed to making Bangkok an environmentally friendly metropolis.
The city of Yokohama holds a pivotal role in the City-to-City project: Collaboration for Zero-Carbon Society—an initiative supported by Japan’s Ministry of Environment. This project aligns seamlessly with the Bangkok Master Plan on Climate Change, actively promoting knowledge and technology exchange to reduce greenhouse gases. The joint effort has given birth to the Bangkok Energy Action Plan, a pioneering initiative designed to manage carbon emissions with a keen focus on the transportation and energy sectors.
Governor Chadchart eloquently expressed the urgency of the climate crisis, citing a powerful example from a student rally in Oslo back in 2019. “The world is currently facing unprecedented climate challenges. Many of you may have heard of the student rally in Oslo in 2019, where a student held a sign that read, ‘You’ll die of old age, but I’ll die of climate change’. If we do not have clear guidelines or policies, neither we nor the world can survive,” he shared with a sense of urgency. “Working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero is therefore one of the primary goals we all must strive towards to protect the lives of our children and grandchildren.”
Mayor Yamanaka, equally committed to this cause, echoed these sentiments, sharing his enthusiasm for participating in the event. “It’s an honor to be part of this significant occasion filled with invaluable insights to shape the city of Bangkok. Yokohama has long been involved in environmental technology collaborations with BMA, all aimed at creating a sustainable Bangkok,” he stated proudly.
Environmental issues cannot afford delay, and solving them requires collective efforts from every citizen. Mayor Yamanaka urged the audience, highlighting the success Yokohama achieved in reducing household waste, an endeavor that took over a decade but was possible through the concerted efforts of all residents. “From now on, Yokohama City will collaborate even more closely with BMA to develop stronger bonds to tackle issues in both countries. Together, we aspire to be leaders or representatives of the Asian region, addressing global challenges,” he enthused.
The Mayor also expressed his delight at seeing numerous students involved in the activities at BKK EXPO 2024. “Today, I am glad to see a large number of students joining the activities because they will be an important and main force in helping solve various problems in the future. Therefore, we must seek cooperation from all students in jointly tackling environmental issues. Let’s move forward together,” he concluded with optimism and a call for unity.
As the session wrapped up, the spirit of cooperation, unity, and determination to achieve a sustainable future resonated through the halls of the Benjakiti Forest Park Museum, leaving a lasting impression on all participants. Bangkok and Yokohama stand as beacons of hope, showing that through collaboration, a net-zero emissions society is not just a dream but an achievable reality.
Be First to Comment