Bangkok, Thailand – Today marks the first day of the AsiaXchange 2024 conference in Bangkok, hosted by The Rockefeller Foundation, amidst the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). The conference’s theme is “Accelerating the Just Transition to a Green Asia: Leveraging Systems Approaches for Climate Action.”
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The event aims to explore how countries, businesses, and communities can collaborate to create a sustainable and low-carbon future for the region. AsiaXchange 2024 will feature practical discussions on leveraging systems approaches driven by collaboration among individuals, communities, governments, the private sector, and financiers to promote an environmentally friendly and resilient Asia.
Deepali Khanna, Vice President, Asia Regional Office of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia Regional Office, opened AsiaXchange 2024 by emphasizing Asia’s crucial role in leading global climate change efforts. She stated, “Asia is not just a player on the global climate action stage; we are leading!”
Khanna also highlighted the success of last year’s AsiaXchange in New Delhi, which sparked collaborations that led to numerous projects this year. “AsiaXchange 2024 is not just a celebration of past achievements,” she continued. “It’s the beginning of a new journey, one that’s bigger, more challenging, and full of opportunities waiting for us to seize.”
Over the next few days, leaders from the public, private, and civil society sectors will come together to make “big bets” for Asia’s future. The conference will focus on three key areas: innovation, financing, and community empowerment.
Innovation: Asia is a hub of creativity and cutting-edge technology. This conference will provide a platform for showcasing and developing new solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in the region.
Financing: The Rockefeller Foundation announced its commitment to invest over US$1 billion over the next five years to support climate projects in Asia. This conference will provide an opportunity to connect investors with promising projects and foster collaborations for sustainable investment.
Community Empowerment: Communities across Asia are facing the severe impacts of climate change. This conference will provide a platform for their voices to be heard and for them to participate in shaping policies and projects that will affect their lives.
Khanna concluded by reiterating the urgency of the situation. “The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat,” she said. “It is our greatest challenge today. But within this crisis lies our greatest opportunity – the opportunity to create a sustainable,equitable, and prosperous future for all.”
AsiaXchange 2024 is not just a conference; it’s a signal of a significant shift, where Asia will rise to the challenge of the climate crisis and lead the way in creating a sustainable world for future generations.
Asia as the Epicenter
“Asia is the epicenter of global climate action,” said Deepali Khanna, Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia Regional Office, at the opening. “With AsiaXchange 2024, we are bringing together Asia’s leading financiers,policymakers, solution providers, and community leaders to share ideas, build partnerships, and find the solutions we need to create a green and resilient future for all.”
AsiaXchange 2024 comes at a crucial time as the region prepares for COP29, where Asia’s climate agenda will be a central focus. This year’s AsiaXchange will explore how Asia can lead with innovative solutions and collaborations to meet its climate commitments. Speakers and attendees from across Asia and around the world will address key questions such as:
- How can we collaborate to build momentum for a just transition to a green Asia?
- How can we drive climate efforts through people-centered and systemic approaches?
- How can we mobilize domestic, regional, and international finance suitable for Asia?
“Asia can show the rest of the world how to achieve development alongside sustainability,” added Elizabeth Yee,Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation. “AsiaXchange 2024 will help us strengthen collaborations that have the potential to scale practical, people-centered climate solutions across the region.”
Highlights of AsiaXchange 2024
Throughout the three-day conference, attendees will experience a variety of engaging sessions, including:
- Aspiration vs. Reality: Decoding Green and Resilient Growth in Asia
- Solving the Trilemma of Solutions: Inclusivity, Affordability, and Scalability
- Youth Voices for Climate Action
- Scaling Local Investment for Climate Action
- Billions and Trillions: Closing the Climate Finance Gap
- Scaling Inclusive and Sustainable Business Models
- Regional Collaboration for Climate Ambition
- AI and Climate Action: The Future of Technology in Asia
Last year’s AsiaXchange 2023, held in New Delhi, India, was a resounding success, bringing together over 150 global leaders to discuss The Rockefeller Foundation’s new climate strategy and focus on identifying key opportunities for climate action across Asia. The success of that event paved the way for AsiaXchange 2024 in Bangkok, where the conversations will expand even further.
Thailand Reiterates its Stance on the World Stage, Supporting Peace and SDGs, Ready to be a ‘Bridge’ to Solve Global Problems
H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongssa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delivered a statement at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) on September 28, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He emphasized Thailand’s commitment to implementing people-centered policies and pursuing sustainable development,expressing readiness to be a ‘bridge’ in addressing global challenges.
The Minister highlighted the importance of reforming the United Nations to address various global challenges,particularly in promoting peace and security. He cited the situation in Myanmar as an example, where Thailand, as a close neighbor, is ready to support the internal peace process and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
Sustainable Development (SDGs)
Thailand is ready to build cooperation for development between developed and developing countries, aiming to become a member of the OECD and BRICS to jointly address key global issues, especially climate change, which is a shared responsibility of all countries.
The Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to protecting and promoting human rights through building justice and equality in society. He also mentioned Thailand’s candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025-2027.
Thailand is ready to be a ‘bridge’ in building cooperation and promoting dialogue and trust between countries to create a future where everyone is protected and prosperous.
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