In a significant stride towards fostering sustainable urban development, the Interior Ministry of Thailand and the German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH (GIZ) have inked an agreement to bolster the Urban-Act project. This initiative aims to cultivate low-carbon and resilient cities in Thailand, marking a pivotal step in climate action. The ceremonial signing, held in the bustling heart of Bangkok last week, was graced by distinguished representatives from the German Embassy, the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep), and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) — all key partners in implementing this transformative project in Thailand.
The event also saw participation from regional project partners like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Asia-Pacific Regional Organisation for Local Government, underscoring the wide-ranging support this initiative commands.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Chamnanwit Terat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, pointed out Thailand’s heightened vulnerability to climate change. “Thailand is acutely affected by climate change, impacting our operations and the well-being of our populace,” he noted. “In response, it is imperative that we expedite our efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), foster sustainable living, and build more resilient cities.”
Chamnanwit emphasized that robust collaboration across stakeholders is essential to propel urban development solutions aligned with environmental principles. “The Ministry is fully committed to supporting this initiative, addressing our critical challenges, and advancing sustainable development,” he affirmed.
The Urban-Act project, a dynamic regional climate action initiative, is currently underway not only in Thailand but also in China, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Financed by the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action until December 2027, the project’s overarching goal is to aid these nations in transitioning towards low-carbon and more resilient urban development.
Pongrat Piromrat, the Director-General of DPT, hailed the initiative as a vital measure towards reducing carbon emissions in Thai cities. “The project will concentrate on Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Phuket as pilot cities, where local authorities will conduct research on the impacts of climate change,” he explained.
Pongrat added that the insights gained from these studies would lay the groundwork for enhanced climate resilience. “DPT will devise regulations to transform these pilot cities into climate-resilient models. While we have existing regulations aimed at lowering urban carbon emissions, there is scope for improvement,” he shared. “Upon processing the information from our pilot cities, we will leverage the data for city planning and development across other provinces.”
Jarukan Rassiri, GIZ’s Cluster Coordinator for Environment, Energy and Mobility, underscored that the initiative spans other significant cities in Asia, such as in India, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. “Asia is the epicenter of global growth, and the primary question is: How will it grow?” she posed. “The answer lies in low carbon emissions and strong resilience.”
Jarukan stressed that beyond innovative plans, the success of the initiative hinges on inter-agency collaboration and finding collective solutions. “It’s not merely about crafting groundbreaking plans or practices; it’s about how different agencies can synergize and discover shared solutions,” she emphasized.
Adding to the dialogue, Johannes Kerner, the Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the German Embassy in Bangkok, reiterated Germany’s commitment to urban sustainability and global climate objectives. “Cities play a vital role, and robust cross-government collaboration is crucial to achieving our global climate and sustainable development targets,” he remarked. “We are proud to initiate and sponsor the regional Urban-Act project through the International Climate Initiative.”
Really excited about the Urban-Act project! Thailand needs sustainable cities ASAP!
Not so fast, these projects often end up being all talk and no action. Let’s see some results first.
SkepticSteve, it’s better to start something than not do anything at all. Improvement takes time!
Exactly, GreenGuru. At least they’re making an effort, which is more than can be said for some countries.
Great initiative, but I’m concerned about the impact this project might have on local communities. Will there be any displacement?
As a resident of Chiang Mai, I can say that we haven’t heard much about potential displacement yet. There needs to be more transparency.
Good point, Mandy and ChangMaiResident. Transparent communication with local communities is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
Valid concern, Mandy. When these projects are done right, they should involve local communities in the planning process.
Wonder how much tech will play a role in this? AI and IoT could really push these initiatives forward.
Exactly, TechieTom! Tech can help monitor pollution, manage resources, and even predict climate impacts.
Tech is great, but don’t forget about practical, on-the-ground solutions. Sometimes high-tech isn’t the answer.
More climate change propaganda. When are we going to address real issues?
ClimateCynic, climate change is a real issue and it affects everything from our economy to health.
If we don’t act now, those ‘real issues’ you’re talking about will only get worse.
It’s just a money grab by governments and corporations. Wake up!
Projects like these are vital, but I wonder how they plan to fund them in the long-term without external aid.
Good question, MCPlaza. Often, these projects rely on continuous foreign sponsorship which isn’t sustainable.
Germany is committed now, but you’re right. Thailand needs to build its own funding mechanisms over time.
Absolutely, and hopefully, they can attract private sector investment too.
So proud to see international cooperation for something as important as climate action!
Sure, it’s cooperation now, but once the funding dries up who knows what will happen.
How does this project address the agricultural impact of climate change? Farmers are already struggling!
You’re right, Grower134. Agricultural sustainability needs to be a key component. Hopefully, they will include this in the later stages.
Resilient cities are the future. Just hope they don’t ignore rural areas.
Larry D, these kinds of projects often do ignore rural areas, unfortunately. It’s a systemic issue.
Love that this includes countries like India and the Philippines too. Asia really needs this.
Agreed, Priya. Asia is a growing region and it can set examples for the rest of the world.
Will be interesting to see how new regulations are framed and implemented. Usually, there’s a big gap between policy and practice.
True, EnvironmentalLawyer. Laws are only as good as their enforcement.