SDGs Talk Opens
Students' Perspectives
to Global Sustainability
Sustainability is not a distant concept, but something everyone can start with small things around them. This is the key message that Bangkok University wanted to convey through the GE SDGs Talk #Ep.1 activity, which was organized for the first time in the GE011 and GE101 Thinking Skills for Lifelong Learning courses. This activity received overwhelming interest, with over 300 students and staff participating, and was also broadcast live through online media.
The event began with a special lecture "Overview of SDGs Implementation: From Global Stage to Thailand" by Dr. Thatchai Keeratipongpaiboon, Director of Strategy and International Cooperation Division, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Office of the Prime Minister, who explained the overall picture of SDGs implementation from the global level to its application in the Thai context.
This was followed by the highlight of the event with a discussion "How to Use Passion for a Sustainable World" by K. Amata Chittasenee (Pearypie), Urban Farmer and Student of Earth, who courageously transitioned from being a Beauty Content Creator to becoming a change agent for sustainability. Through the topic "How to Use Passion for a Sustainable World", she shared her journey from the world of beauty to the world of sustainability through the Sky Garden project and work with Thai textiles, demonstrating that using existing abilities combined with correct knowledge can create tangible positive impacts on society and the environment.
The closing discussion "SDGs: From Global to Local" featured an exchange of perspectives between Dr. Thatchai Keeratipongpaiboon, K. Amata Chittasenee (Pearypie), and Asst. Prof.Dr.Karnjana Songwathana, moderated by Ajarn Gunyootapong Nopakun. This discussion raised many interesting issues, such as challenges in making SDGs a reality at the national level, transitioning from personal interests to caring for the world, living sustainably, and importantly, the role of youth in driving SDGs goals.
Students who participated in the activity gained more than just knowledge - they saw the big picture of global sustainability and understood that each person can start creating change from small things around them, whether it's changing daily behaviors, choosing environmentally friendly products, or participating in activities that respond to SDGs goals.
This activity is part of the development of general education curriculum teaching, aimed at making students aware of the importance of SDGs at global, national, and local levels, and inspiring them to adjust their behaviors to align with SDGs goals.
GE SDGs Talk #Ep.1 marks an important beginning in cultivating sustainability consciousness among students, to enhance them as "new generation" individuals who have knowledge, understanding, and are ready to help this world in concrete ways. This aligns with Bangkok University's vision of producing graduates with knowledge coupled with virtue and the ability to be good global citizens.
