On 5 October 2026, Mrs. Chatvadee Chindawongse, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, delivered opening remarks at the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum 2026 (ACEF 2026), held in Bangkok.

The Forum was organised by the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), with the support of Denmark, and in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). Under the theme “Closing the Loop, Unlocking the Future: Thriving in a Resource-Challenged World,” the Forum brought together policymakers, the private sector, MSMEs, academia, civil society, and development partners to exchange experiences, share good practices, and explore practical approaches to advancing the circular economy in ASEAN.

The Deputy Director-General underscored the importance of advancing economic growth and sustainable development in tandem and highlighted priorities including harmonization of regional standards, capacity-building of green and circular economy skills, tailoring financing mechanisms for circular economy industries. She also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment, as the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, to advancing regional cooperation and partnerships on sustainable development toward an inclusive and resilient ASEAN community.