Under the assignment of Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Acting President of Kasetsart University, university executives met with officers from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand to discuss and explore potential academic collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting was held on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, at the United Nations Building.
Representing Kasetsart University were Assistant Professor Dr. rer.soc. Supapatpimol Simlee, Assistant to the President for International Affairs; Associate Professor Dr. Suchat Leungprasert, Associate Dean for Administration, Faculty of Engineering; and Associate Professor Dr. Weerachai Chaiworapuek, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. They were welcomed by Ms. Elena Sentieri, Climate Change Analyst, and Mr. Nuttawat Suwattanapongtada, Project Manager – Climate Actions, UNDP Thailand. The meeting served as a platform to exchange views and explore avenues for future cooperation.
The discussion centered on opportunities for collaboration in several key areas, including the development and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), joint academic initiatives on climate change, climate action policies, and carbon neutrality, as well as promoting the transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon economy. Both parties also discussed providing internship opportunities for KU students at UNDP Thailand to strengthen academic and professional ties.
UNDP Thailand expressed its interest in supporting Kasetsart University’s policies and projects related to climate change and carbon neutrality. Potential collaborative activities include participation in the International Consortium for Climate Change Solutions, contributions as guest speakers and mentors in initiatives such as Hackathon competitions and Climate Change Youth Camps, and the inclusion of the Kasetsart University Laboratory School, Center for Educational Research and Development, in the Climate Box Project—an interactive learning toolkit aimed at enhancing children’s and youth’s understanding of climate change.
In addition, discussions covered cooperation on advancing Thailand’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy and promoting green employment. Both sides explored academic collaboration in key UNDP focus areas, such as supporting Just Energy Transition, promoting clean and sustainable energy, and encouraging workforce transformation through Upskilling and Reskilling Programmes to prepare the future workforce for green industries.
The meeting also addressed the possibility of conducting joint research projects of mutual interest, with UNDP serving as a facilitator to connect Kasetsart University with funding agencies and research institutions. Potential research themes include sustainable energy transition, water resource management, industrial decarbonization, and community development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of practical engagement through six-month internship opportunities for Kasetsart University students at UNDP Thailand, paving the way for a stronger partnership that combines academic excellence with global development initiatives.
(Credit: International Relations Network, Kasetsart University)
