PSU and CUPT co-hosts 15th CUPT-CRISU Conference 2024, integrating ESG principles into higher education communities
From 3 to 4 October 2024, PSU in collaboration with the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) hosted the 15th Thailand-Indonesia Collaboration Conference. Themed "Charting the Path to Sustainable Universities: A Holistic Approach to ESG Integration," the conference aimed to enhance understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and their integration into higher education communities. The event presided over by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, also featured contributions from prominent figures such as Prof. Dr. Pongrak Sribanditmongkol, M.D., Chair of CUPT and President of Chiang Mai University, as well as Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Kaewpradub, Vice Chair of CUPT and President of PSU. Over 200 participants attended the conference, including executives, university presidents, deans, and students from member institutions of CUPT in Thailand, the Council of Rectors of Indonesian State Universities (CRISU), the Council of Rajabhat University Presidents, the Council of Rajamangala University of Technology Presidents, and the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand. The conference took place at the Arnoma Grand Hotel in Bangkok.
At the event, Dr. Suvit Maesincee, former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, delivered a keynote speech titled “ESG: Why It Matters to Our World, Higher Education, and Us All.” This session aimed to raise awareness about ESG principles, emphasizing their significance while providing guidance and establishing priorities for integrating ESG into academic institutions. Following the keynote, a panel discussion titled “Keynotes: Highlights and Priorities for Activities” took place, where speakers emphasized essential ESG initiatives and priority actions that universities should undertake.
A panel discussion featured representatives from participating universities and included a distinguished talk by Dr. Soraphol Tulayasathien, Deputy Manager and Head of Corporate Strategy for Capital Market Sustainability Development at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Dr. Soraphol shared valuable insights on implementing ESG within the stock exchange, offering practical approaches for effectively applying ESG principles in higher education institutions. The panel also included notable figures such as Prof. Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, Chair of CUPT and President of Chiang Mai University; Prof. Dr. Anchana Prathep, Dean of the Faculty of Science at PSU; Prof. Dr. rer. Nat. Agus Rubiyanto, President of Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK); and Prof. Dr. Kusman Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Universitas Padjadjaran. The session was expertly moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Director of SEAMEO RIHED. The discussion concluded with actionable priorities for higher education institutions to advance their ESG initiatives.
