In the heart of Bangkok, at the grand Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the stage was set for an epic gathering that sought to reshape the world – starting right from our backyard. As the curtains fell on the 2024 Sustainability Expo, a celebration unlike any other, anticipation swirled with excitement as whispers of its continuity until 2030 circulated among eager attendees. This was far more than a mere event; it was a beacon to amplify global efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and introduce revolutionary models for a sustainable future.
For five glorious years, the Sustainability Expo has stood tall, a brainchild of Thai Beverage Plc and its like-minded collaborators, marking its territory at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The mission? To galvanize public consciousness about the vital importance of sustainable living. Leading the charge was none other than the dynamic CEO and President of Thai Beverage, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi. With poise and passion, Thapana emphasized in the “SX Launching Forward: SX2025” session that cultivating sustainability rests in the hands of everyone—a sentiment that echoed through every corner of the expo.
Thapana fervently pointed out that our era’s extravagant usage of resources, particularly visible in business practices, has turned society into a consumerist vortex. He implored the audience to think about how today’s actions leave indelible footprints for the generations to come. His call to arms was clear: embrace the philosophy of sufficiency economy to preserve our planet’s bounty for the heirs of tomorrow. His voice resonated especially with the younger minds, igniting a spark within them to engage actively in this global movement.
Youth, as he passionately elaborated, carry the responsibility to champion sustainability. The expo’s enticing displays, lovingly crafted into the “Better Me,” “Better Living,” “Better Community,” and “Better World” showcases, were like kaleidoscopic visions inviting spectators to envision a future where personal initiatives ripple outward, transforming cities and countries into havens of sustainable synergy. For Thapana, sustainability began with tiny, yet mighty daily actions.
As the event sealed its triumph for the year, plans for the upcoming expo were officially set: mark your calendars for September 26 to October 5 at the very same QSNCC, where the magic will once again unfold. The mighty United Nations had rung the decade bell for action from 2020 to 2030, urging everyone, from businesses to decision-makers, to charge forward and conquer the SDGs. The expo, too, pledged its allegiance to this timeline, cementing its role as a continuous advocate for a sustainable tomorrow. Thapana’s rousing words reverberated, “We want everyone to be a sustainability shaper.” With such a compelling vision, who could resist the call?
Across the expo halls, Tongjai Thanachanan, the astute Chief of Sustainability and Strategy at Thai Beverage, eagerly shared the year’s achievements. The expo had been visited by a remarkable 740,423 participants, both offline and online, smashing their target of half a million into smithereens. Marketplace transactions danced to the tune of 17.09 million baht, while the aromas from the Food Festival tantalized with earnings of 23.7 million baht. Amidst the jubilation, the spirit of empathy shone bright, especially in the wake of the northern floods. A soulful two-day fundraising concert led to a generous sum of 4.8 million baht dedicated to the flood victims.
Reflecting on five impactful years, the expo had welcomed an accumulated 1,182,954 visitors, a testament to its magnetic allure and profound impact. Collectively, communities had rallied to raise a staggering 106 million baht, funds that pledged support to the deserving communities that played an instrumental role in this celebratory journey towards sustainability. And so, the curtain descended on another chapter, promising even more foresight, unity, and actionable hope for the days to come.
It’s inspiring to see such a large-scale commitment to sustainability. This expo is definitely setting a positive precedent.
But don’t you think these expos are more about PR than actual sustainability? Just a show to make companies look good without real change.
I see your point, but I believe awareness is the first step. Expos can inspire individual and corporate changes if done right.
Exactly, awareness alone isn’t enough. But it’s a necessary starting point. From awareness, action can grow.
I wonder if any of these efforts will actually slow down the climate change we are facing.
Every little bit counts. We won’t see instant results, but consistent efforts can make a difference in the long run.
True, but we need systemic change at the government level too. Individuals alone can’t solve the global crisis.
The success of the expo in attracting over 740,000 participants is remarkable. Shows there’s a genuine interest in sustainability across all strata.
Online numbers can be misleading though. How many were actively engaged versus just clicking through?
That’s a valid concern. Hopefully, the organizers can improve engagement metrics to ensure quality over quantity.
All talk, no action. We need more stringent regulations rather than these feel-good expos.
It’s easy to criticize, but what alternative solutions do you propose? People like Thapana are at least trying to lead.
Exactly! We need more leaders and fewer armchair critics. Solutions start with someone willing to take the initiative.
Why are people so negative about the expo? It raised over 4 million baht for flood victims! It’s doing good.
Wondering if these initiatives will become more inclusive of local cultures and communities in the process.
I think involving the youth is the right move. They have the most at stake and could bring fresh ideas to sustainability practices.
Yeah, but aren’t we just handing them a mess we created? It seems unfair to expect them to fix it.
True, but empowering them to be part of the solution is crucial. They deserve both the resources and the opportunity.
I went to one of these expos before, and they are a bit overwhelming. Exciting, but not sure if practical.
Practicality might be in question, but think about the discussion it sparks. That must be worth something.
Honestly, it’s refreshing to see an event focus on the sufficiency economy model. It’s such a balanced way to approach sustainability.
Balanced maybe, but is it enough to sustain a global economy? We can’t go backward in time.
We don’t need to go back in time, just move forward more responsibly. Imagine what we could achieve if everyone thought like Thapana.
Until government policies change globally, these expos will remain a drop in the ocean of what needs to happen.
Small actions lead to big changes. Expos like these lay the groundwork for policy change by changing public opinion first.
Interesting to see the economic metrics mentioned alongside sustainability. Seems contradictory.
They are intertwined. Without economic incentives, many won’t see sustainability as viable. It’s a necessary blend.
How do these expos address digital and energy waste? What about their own carbon footprint?
Great point Ray. I attended a similar expo and they did have measures in place to offset emissions, but there’s always room for improvement.
This article sounds like a PR piece for Thapana. I’m waiting to see real, concrete results before I get impressed.
Why not give them the benefit of the doubt first? Negative expectations never wrought positive outcomes.
Why are expos held in expensive locations like QSNCC? Could the funds not be better used?
I think it’s about visibility and credibility. You need top-notch venues to attract top-tier participants and supporters.
I believe that with consistent efforts environment change is possible. Education and events like this can lead to policy reform over time.
I doubt corporate-driven expos can lead to genuine reform. More grassroots movements are needed for that.
Perhaps, but often these expos create platforms for grassroots voices to be heard on a larger stage.