15 May 2025, Bangkok – The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) and the APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF) jointly launched of Thailand’s Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) Phase V at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Bangkok. This marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing commitment to address climate change through strategic technology identification and international collaboration.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), emphasized the importance of the TNA as a national mechanism to pinpoint essential technologies that will enable Thailand to meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals. She further underscored the project’s ability to link Thailand with international networks of knowledge and finance, facilitating greater innovation and technical capacity.

Minister Supamas also reiterated MHESI’s dedication to fostering research, development, and innovation across critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, industry, and waste management. She stressed the ministry’s vital role in connecting academic and research institutions with the private sector and local communities, strengthening Thailand’s adaptive capacity in the face of climate challenges.

Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, Executive Director of APEC CTF and President of NXPO, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the TNA initiative. As Thailand’s TNA coordinator, Dr. Surachai elaborated on how the project will identify specific technological needs for climate change mitigation and adaptation. He noted that the assessment will facilitate access to international funding and strengthen Thailand’s technical cooperation through a foresight-based approach.

“The TNA project is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), helping countries prioritize technologies necessary to tackle climate challenges. Building upon Thailand’s first TNA in 2012, this new phase employs foresight methodologies to formulate strategic action plans.” said Dr. Surachai.

The launch event featured a keynote lecture titled “TNA as a Catalyst: Unlocking Capital for Climate Technology” by Dr. Sara Traerup, Head of Section for Technology Transitions and System Innovation at UNEP-CCC. Her remarks illuminated the potential of TNA processes to drive both technological transformation and capital mobilization in developing countries.

The program concluded with a dynamic panel discussion involving representatives from the public sector, academia, and the private sector. The dialogue focused on integrating TNA outcomes into national policies and leveraging them to enhance Thailand’s readiness for global climate finance mechanisms.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the second TNA phase builds on the progress made since the 2012 assessment, which has already informed national policy frameworks. This new initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for more comprehensive and actionable climate strategies in Thailand.

The TNA process is also central to Thailand’s international climate diplomacy, especially in forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). The updated assessment will help Thailand advocate more effectively for technology cooperation and financial support on the global stage.

This launch marks another significant stride in advancing Thailand’s climate ambitions and reinforcing the nation’s transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future.

Srichattra Chaivongvilan – Correspondent