Empowering Women for Sustainable Development: The UNCTAD-Thailand Initiative
The partnership between UNCTAD and Thailand is paving the way for women researchers and entrepreneurs in developing countries to lead initiatives aimed at fostering greener and more inclusive economies. The core belief stemming from this collaboration is that sustainable development hinges on a strong foundation in science and technology, with women at the forefront.
Capacity-Building Initiative in Bangkok
A recent capacity-building exercise held from August 6 to 13, 2023, in Bangkok, brought together 17 women scientists and researchers from nine developing nations in Asia and Africa. This week-long program was designed to equip participants to implement Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model in their home countries, thereby driving transformative change.
Understanding the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model
Thailand’s BCG model serves as a key component of its recovery strategy following the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes:
- Rational use of natural resources
- Sustainable production and consumption
- Promotion of a circular economy
This paradigm shift aims to integrate innovative practices and science in building a value-based economy.
Training Highlights
Co-organized by UNCTAD and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), this training included hands-on team exercises and site visits to areas implementing the BCG model. A key feature was a group activity where participants pitched prospective BCG projects to a panel of judges, fostering practical application of their newly-gained knowledge.
Further enriching their experience, the attendees participated in Thailand’s national science week, where they showcased the BCG model’s relevance to their countries. This initiative promotes diversity and inclusion, empowering women to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Voices of the Participants
Rohini Garg, an associate professor at Shiv Nadar University in New Delhi, reflected on the impact of the training, stating, “This training allows me to better understand how science and technology can help create innovative solutions that are sustainable at the community level.”
Meanwhile, Karen Cloete, a joint chair at the University of South Africa, expressed her enthusiasm for utilizing technology in agriculture, aiming to transform food waste into sustainable fertilizers and pesticides. “Entrepreneurs, governments and stakeholders can find collaborative avenues to promote the BCG model within the agricultural sector,” she said.
Fostering a Global Community
This initiative not only aims to enhance women’s capacities but also seeks to create a global network of female researchers and entrepreneurs who can leverage Thailand’s expertise in implementing the BCG model. Osi Arutanti from Indonesia mentioned how the training expanded her knowledge on addressing air pollution, a significant concern in her country. “The workshop enables me to plan future collaborative research within our network,” she remarked.
Bestina Daniel from the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology highlighted the value of the BCG approach in achieving environmental goals. She stated, “I see a bright future for our continued collaboration.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between UNCTAD and TSRI is a strategic step towards nurturing female leadership in science and technology within developing countries. By enhancing women’s abilities to navigate and implement innovative economic approaches like the BCG model, this initiative not only supports local communities but also contributes to global sustainable development.
