UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have joined forces to provide training and support to women entrepreneurs and researchers in Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model. This partnership aims to promote sustainable and inclusive opportunities while capitalizing on Thailand’s biological diversity and cultural richness.

The BCG model, implemented by the Thai government as part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy, utilizes technology, innovation, and legal and financial support to enhance competitiveness in four key industries: agriculture and food, medical and wellness, bioenergy, biomaterial and biochemical, and tourism and the creative economy.

Over the next five years, the government expects the BCG model to significantly boost the combined GDP of these industries by almost 30%, from 3.4 trillion THB to 4.4 trillion THB. Recognizing the potential of this innovative model, UNCTAD and TSRI have formalized their agreement during the 26th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development.

Shamika N. Sirimanne, UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics, expressed gratitude for Thailand’s willingness to share its experience in accelerating sustainable socioeconomic development through the BCG model. Ms. Sirimanne highlighted the growing interest from other developing countries to learn from this innovative approach, emphasizing that the agreement is a follow-up to discussions initiated during the 25th session of the CSTD in 2022.

The first phase of the partnership will involve training 15 women researchers and entrepreneurs from developing countries on the BCG model. The training workshop, scheduled for August 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, will provide participants with insights into best practices in utilizing science, technology, and innovation in the four target industries. Successful women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and renowned experts from Thai universities and research institutions will share their experiences, aligning technology and innovation with the BCG model.

Patamawadee Pochanukul, President of TSRI, emphasized the untapped potential of female entrepreneurs and researchers in driving sustainability. The collaboration seeks to empower developing countries by harnessing the power of South-South cooperation, ensuring policy cohesion and complementarity of practices. Ambassador Supathra Srimaitreephithak, Thailand’s permanent representative to the United Nations, highlighted the importance of alternative development strategies that link science, technology, and innovation with biodiversity and cultural diversity, strengthening developing countries’ internal capacities towards sustainability.

The UNCTAD-TSRI partnership demonstrates a commitment to empowering women and promoting sustainable economic growth, fostering knowledge exchange, and paving the way for a greener and more inclusive future.