SDC2025: a global convergence for sustainable future

The 11th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC2025), held in the vibrant city of Bangkok from July 15 to 17, stood as a testament to the unwavering global dedication toward creating a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. Over these three days, an extraordinary assembly of scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, grassroots activists, and community advocates came together to share ideas, forge collaborations, and advance solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS ROOTED IN LOCAL CONTEXTS: The first day of the conference set a dynamic tone, with presentations that showcased promising research and sustainable innovations tailored to local needs. One of the conference's standout sessions featured Dr. Janani Kalpana Balasooriya from Queensland University of Technology. Her work on low-cost, nature-inspired water treatment solutions exemplifies how local resources can be harnessed to address critical health challenges. By utilising agricultural residues from the region to produce biochar and activated carbon, her team has developed filters capable of removing harmful contaminants like iron and manganese from drinking water. This approach presents a sustainable, affordable, and community-specific solution particularly suited for remote and indigenous communities in Australia-areas where outdated infrastructure hampers access to clean, safe water.

Building on technological advances, Dr. Monu Verma of the University of Seoul introduced a novel water purification material capable of removing dangerous yet persistent chemicals known as PFASs. His creation-the ?-cyclodextrin-based polymer-acts swiftly to adsorb these chemicals, effectively neutralising their threat to public health. His work signifies a vital leap forward in safeguarding water sources from invisible chemical hazards that have become a global concern.

Strategic planning for sustainable product development also gained attention, with Professor Li-Ren Yang of Tamkang University emphasising the importance of developing water-saving technologies and drought-resistant innovations. His research aims to guide entrepreneurs, policymakers, and project managers in prioritising impactful actions to combat water scarcity-an issue projected to worsen with the effects of climate change.

Beyond technological solutions, a visionary presentation by Adina-luliana Deacu from Germany's Research Institute for Sustainability offered a compelling perspective on how traditional profit-driven companies can evolve into regenerative, stakeholder-centred entities. Through real-world examples, she illustrated how businesses can embed sustainability into their core strategies, promoting circular economies, reducing environmental footprints, and fostering social equity. 

EXPANDING PERSPECTIVES: ECOLOGY, COMMUNITY, AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY: As the conference progressed, addressing biodiversity and food security, Belgian researcher Dr. Joost Van Itterbeeck shared insights into the role of edible insects in sustainable agriculture. His research highlights how harnessing beneficial insects can reduce chemical dependence in farming, improve crop yields, and support livelihoods-particularly across Southeast Asia.

Grassroots ecological initiatives took a central role through the work of Dr. Sanita Quilatan from the University of Santo Tomas. Her presentation focused on community-led efforts inspired by faith and ecological principles, such as zero waste programs and organic waste management. These initiatives demonstrate how cultural values and local traditions can empower communities to foster resilience and environmental stewardship.

Urban environmental challenges, including invasive species impacts on water resources, were explored through the research of Dr. Kumar Manish from India. Such studies underline the importance of ecological management at the city level-a critical component of sustainable urban development.

Corporate responses to climate change also featured prominently. Dr. Jeong Won Kim from Singapore examined how companies adopting internal carbon pricing influence emission reductions, revealing mixed results and emphasising the need for robust implementation and transparency. Additionally, representatives from Thailand discussed the gaps and opportunities within ESG data systems in the banking sector, stressing that improving data quality, stakeholder engagement, and governance structures are vital steps toward impactful sustainability practices in finance.

Regional developments in ESG integration across India, South Africa, and Latin America illustrated a shared global movement toward embedding social and environmental considerations into core business and policy frameworks. Meanwhile, academic and policy experts explored innovative narratives around vulnerability, urban wildlife, and rural tourism-highlighting the multifaceted strategies needed for comprehensive sustainable development.

A SHARED COMMITMENT FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE: As the final day of SDC2025 unfolded, the conference underscored the importance of actionable solutions and forward-looking strategies. Innovations ranged from renewable energy projects to community empowerment initiatives, emphasising that sustainability is a multidimensional pursuit requiring both technological advancement and social cohesion.

One inspiring presentation featured researchers from the Philippines who developed a hybrid solar photovoltaic system with battery storage, tailored for community evacuation centers prone to natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.

The conference also highlighted the cultural and ecological significance of indigenous communities developing ecotourism, such as Taiwan's hot spring projects. These initiatives demonstrate how managed tourism can provide economic benefits while respecting local cultures and environments, showcasing the importance of balancing development with conservation.

A CONFLUENCE OF GLOBAL VOICES: Participants expressed that SDC2025 was more than a series of presentations; it was a fertile ground for dialogue, partnership, and envisioning futures rooted in ecological and social justice. Attendees like Dr. Touhidul Alam Khan, CEO of NRBC Bank who' was speaker and member of scientific committee of the conference as well, reflected on the event's value, emphasising how it fostered networking among like-minded leaders dedicated to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). 

In sum, SDC2025 demonstrated a collective resolve that achieving sustainability requires relentless innovation, inclusive participation, and systemic change. From leveraging local knowledge to pioneering technological breakthroughs, the conference showcased humanity's capacity to adapt, transform, and restore the health of our planet.

LOOKING AHEAD: TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION: As the curtains closed on this remarkable three-day gathering, the message was clear-our journey toward a sustainable future is ongoing, complex, but immensely hopeful. The solutions discussed at SDC2025 are steps along a shared path, but their true power lies in implementation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. With renewed energy and a global network of innovators, policymakers, and community champions, the vision of a resilient, equitable, and sustainable world moves ever closer to realisation.

Dr Touhidul Alam Khan is Managing Director and CEO of NRBC Bank PLC. He attended the SDC2025 as speaker and member of the scientific committee. touhid1969@gmail.com