The event, held at the Pullman King Power Hotel, was co-chaired by Mr. Aloysius Wee, President of ALA, and featured prominent keynote speakers, including H.E. Mr. Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister of Thailand, and Professor Dr. Suchart Xiangchin, President of King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTT). Chuan Leekpai’s address highlighted the urgent need for sustainable development, urging businesses and legal experts to integrate ESG policies to effectively address global environmental challenges.

 

H.E. Phongthep Thepkanja, Advisor to the Thai Prime Minister and former Duputy Prime Minister, welcomed the legal professionals and business elites, setting the tone for the forum.

 

The forum’s sponsors, including Carbon Registry Thailand (CRT), Asia ESG Solution, Talaad Thai, PTT OR, and Chiu-Szeto & Cheng Associate Law Firm, played a vital role in shaping the forum’s focus on sustainable development, legal compliance, carbon management, and ESG integration. CRT, a leader in satellite remote sensing carbon credit verification, emphasized the importance of transparency and compliance with international standards to ensure a trustworthy carbon trading market. Asia ESG Solution showcased strategies for businesses to align with global ESG standards, enhancing competitiveness while minimizing environmental impact through data transparency.

 

A significant highlight of the forum was its carbon neutrality certification by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). Uwork999, a leading Thai construction company, sponsored the carbon credits required to offset nearly 50 tons of CO2 emissions generated by the event, as calculated by ESG Planet. By accounting for the greenhouse gas emissions of international attendees and investing in verified carbon reduction projects, the forum set a new benchmark for sustainability in business conferences, particularly within the legal sector.

 

Jirayut Srupsrisopha’s keynote on Web3 and blockchain technology explored how these innovations can drive sustainability, particularly within the financial sector. As the Founder and CEO of Bitkub, Thailand's leading digital asset and cryptocurrency exchange, Jirayut presented a compelling argument for the next monetary revolution. He suggested that blockchain’s transparency and decentralization, key aspects of Bitkub’s operations, could significantly enhance sustainable economic practices by promoting greater accountability and reducing inefficiencies within financial systems.

 

The forum featured four key sessions:

1. **Thailand Investment Opportunities**: This session, moderated by Mr. Siriporn Chaisut, included prominent figures such as Mr. Danucha Pitchayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council; Mr. Narit Tedsathirasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment Thailand (BOI); Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Development Zone Policy Committee (EEC); and Mr. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Chairman of the Executive Committee of WHA Corporation Public Company Limited. The session focused on Thailand’s strategic role as an investment hub for ASEAN, emphasizing legal frameworks and technological advancements to support sustainable growth.

 

2. **Thailand: Springboard to Global Markets**: Led by experts like Dr. Pornchai Danwiwattana and Mr. Phromboon Sukthap, this session explored how Thailand is positioned to serve as a gateway for businesses entering global markets, backed by robust legal and economic policies.

 

3. **Business in the ESG Era**: Hosted by Mr. Sirikan Prasertying, this session included insights from CRT’s Alex Wan and environmental scholar Mr. Supalak Srilawong, highlighting the growing importance of carbon credits and ESG practices for corporate accountability and long-term sustainability.

 

4. **Technology and World Revolution**: Innovators such as Dr. Kritphaka Boonfueng and Mr. Charis Papachistodoulou led discussions on how technological advancements can be leveraged to drive global sustainability efforts, demonstrating the intersection of technology and environmental stewardship.

 

 

Beyond environmental initiatives, the forum also placed a strong emphasis on social responsibility. Organizers encouraged participants to support charity projects, including raising funds for the Thai Red Cross Society, the Rak Thai Foundation, and the Women’s Legal Graduate Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage. These initiatives highlighted the forum’s holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing both environmental and social dimensions.

 

The World Business Forum 2024 by ALA not only showcased the evolving role of legal practices in promoting sustainability but also demonstrated the powerful impact of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development through the latest technological innovations. By setting a high standard for carbon-neutral events and fostering dialogue among global legal professionals, the forum paved the way for future initiatives that seek to integrate sustainability into the core of global business strategies.

 

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