The visit marked a full day of knowledge exchange, shared learning, and the strengthening of international collaboration in sustainability research and education between two host institutions of SDSN national networks. The programme opened with welcoming remarks from Philipp Pattberg, Director of the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute, and Suthirat Kittipongvises, Director of the Environment Development and Sustainability International Program at Chulalongkorn University. Their introductions set an enthusiastic tone for a day dedicated to deepening academic and cultural ties.
Throughout the morning, researchers from both universities presented their recent work:
From ASI/VU Amsterdam:
- Jasper van Vliet shared his research on sustainable urban development in Southeast Asia.
- Prof. Sjoerd Kluiving discussed the ecological and cultural implications of the reintroduction of wolves into the Dutch landscape.
From EDS/Chulalongkorn University:
- Sayamol Charoenratana, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Human Security and Equity, presented research on land use, inequity, and the experiences of marginalised communities in Thailand.
- Kotchanipha Owen shared insights from her study on greenwashing awareness among Thai retail investors.
In the afternoon, the group visited the VU Green Office, where students and staff provided an inside look at how sustainability principles are embedded across the VU campus. The day was closed with a tour around campus that highlighted the changes made towards a sustainable campus.
The day highlighted the value of international collaboration in advancing sustainability research and education. ASI, together with SDSN Netherlands, looks forward to continued knowledge exchange and future partnerships with Chulalongkorn University and other global institutions.
The programme reflected great team work with special thanks to the VU Green Office student team, Michelle Bosquet from Sustainability Office and Stefan Titus from FCO campus development. The visit was co-organized by Gagan Kaur from International Office and ASI’s Neele van den Bongardt together with colleagues SDSN Netherlands and Nantamol Limphitakphong from Chulalongkorn University.