Chulalongkorn University teamed up with 10 Thai and international agencies to launch a green finance forum aimed at sustainable cities and is preparing to propose a "Research Platform" to support interdisciplinary research addressing urban challenges.
On 18 Sep 2026, the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, together with 10 Thai and international organizations, organized the "International Forum on Green Finance for Sustainable Cities" at the ADB office in Bangkok. More than 180 participants attended both onsite and online from Bangkok and provinces including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, and Singburi.
Throughout the day, over 30 speakers shared knowledge across more than seven sessions, covering topics from financing for sponge cities and urban design innovations to the roles of international financial institutions.
The event was held to address urgent urban problems in Thailand such as flooding, extreme heat, and water shortages. Professor Dr. Rangsarn Rerk-Nimit, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, opened the event, noting that while Thailand has good urban design concepts, it lacks financial mechanisms to bring these ideas to reality. Associate Professor Dr. Sarayuth Sapsuk, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and the main host, also welcomed attendees. The opening included a discussion between Madame Victoire Vandeville, Southeast Asia Regional Director of AFD, and Mr. Aaron Batten, Country Director of ADB Thailand.
Throughout the day, speakers from various organizations contributed knowledge, such as ADB presenting approaches for sponge cities in Thailand, JICA sharing experiences in financing private sector investments, and experts from UN-Habitat, UN ESCAP, ICLEI, and IUCN Thailand. Private sector representatives from Veolia and Dassault Systèmes showcased innovations to mitigate urban heat islands using Digital Twin technology. Toward the event's end, representatives from professional associations provided urban design perspectives, including Mr. Namchai Saensupa, advisor to the Thai Landscape Architects Association (TALA), and Ms. Pavitra Burirak, board member of the Thai Urban Designers Association (TUDA).
A key highlight was the participation of Dr. Benjarong Suwankiri, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Waradisorn Onnuch, Governor of Singburi Province; and Associate Professor Dr. Nopporn Leaprichanon, Deputy Director of the Office of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), who exchanged views on the Thai context and proposed advancing international standards for green investment frameworks.
One prominent proposal presented near the event’s conclusion was an environmental "Research Platform" designed to link knowledge across multiple faculties—engineering, science, social sciences, and architecture—to work integratively. This platform aims to develop a joint Research Roadmap, match environmental issues with appropriate experts, and help coordinate research funding applications from external sources. Currently, Chulalongkorn University has nine Research Platforms covering areas from food and agriculture to health and environment.
In closing remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Suthee Anansuksomsri, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, emphasized that financial considerations should begin at the project design stage rather than later, ensuring urban development projects are financially viable from the start (bankable by design).
This event was also part of Bangkok Climate Action Week (BKKCAW), with Mr. Leo Horn-Phathanothai, founder of BKKCAW and Executive Director of JUTI, delivering remarks and serving as a key partner.
At the event’s conclusion, participants proposed creating a collaborative network called "Green Finance for Resilient Cities" to connect academics, local communities, government agencies, policymakers, urban planners, and financiers for sustained, long-term cooperation.
The 10 co-organizing agencies—both Thai and international—include the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, Asian Development Bank (ADB), French Development Agency (AFD), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Finance in Common (FiCS), World Bank, Bangkok Climate Action Week (BKKCAW), Just Transitions Incubator (JUTI), Good Society and Environmental Institute (GSEI), King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI), and the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC).