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MSU-IIT strengthens global sustainability engagement at GSDC in Thailand

Jun 14 2024

Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development and global collaboration as it joined the 2024 Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) held from June 10 to 13 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Nancy Q. Echavez and We Care Office Director Rosario Reserva represented MSU-IIT at the congress, which gathered international experts, policymakers, academics, and advocates to address urgent sustainability challenges. Co-hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, the GSDC focused on generating practical solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The congress opened with the keynote “Thailand’s Path Towards a Resilient Future: Sustainable Development in Action,” which emphasized “urgent optimism” and showcased Thailand’s integrated approach to resilience through strong government policy, financial preparedness, and community engagement.

The Thai government’s sustainability model featured policies and incentives supporting green technology, renewable energy, and research-driven innovation. Its comprehensive strategy also invests in community participation, ensuring grassroots inclusion in policy-making and sustainability education.

The GSDC featured six key thematic tracks that explored pathways to achieving the SDGs through innovation and inclusion:

  • Digital Revolution for Sustainable Development: Examined how technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data can accelerate sustainability while promoting digital equity.
  • Education, Gender, and Inequality: Highlighted the role of inclusive education and gender empowerment in addressing inequality.
  • Energy Decarbonization and Sustainable Industry: Focused on transitioning to low-carbon systems and adopting circular economy practices.
  • Health, Well-being, and Demography: Called for strong healthcare systems and integration of health in sustainability policies.
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities: Showcased best practices in urban resilience and community-centered development.
  • Sustainable Food, Land, Water, and Oceans: Promoted integrated approaches to resource management and international cooperation for ecological protection.

Interactive workshops and policy labs complemented the plenary discussions, offering platforms for participants to share strategies and develop practical, community-driven responses to sustainability challenges.

Echoing the event’s central message of optimism, the congress underscored the transformative potential of technology, the necessity of digital inclusion, and the crucial role of education in shaping equitable societies. It also highlighted the urgency of renewable energy transition, sustainable industrial practices, and circular economy models as strategies for mitigating climate change.

Discussions on health and well-being emphasized the importance of universal access and resilient healthcare systems, while urban sustainability sessions explored inclusive planning and affordable housing as cornerstones of livable and resilient cities.

Through its representation at the GSDC, MSU-IIT strengthened its ties with global partners and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through research, policy collaboration, and inclusive education. The congress concluded with a collective call for collaboration among governments, academia, industries, and communities to realize a more equitable and sustainable future.

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