"Phatcharavat" Partners with UN and Ministry of Interior to Announce Successful Establishment of Waste Bank for Sustainable Development

Today (April 5, 2024) at 9:00 AM, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Pol. Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, in collaboration with Capt. Rachata Phisitbanakorn, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Miss Preeyaporn Suwanaged, Director of the Pollution Control Department, and Mr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of Climate Change and Environment, announced the successful establishment of a Waste Bank under a sustainable development partnership. This initiative includes the United Nations in Thailand, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The announcement was made at the ESCAP Hall, 2nd floor of the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok. Distinguished attendees included Mrs. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Mrs. Gita Sabharwal, United Nations Coordinator, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of the Interior, Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Kajohn Srichavanotai, Director General of the Department of Local Administration Promotion, and Mr. Orasit Samphantharat, Director General of the Department of Provincial Administration. This collaborative effort highlights a major stride toward sustainable development through the innovative approach to waste management.

In a keynote speech at the event, Pol. Gen. Phatcharavat Wongsuwan emphasized that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to sustainable waste segregation from the source, addressing the pressing global issue of waste management. He highlighted that organic waste comprises the largest proportion of Thailand's refuse, with recyclable materials offering significant opportunities for reuse in a circular economy. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Ministry is focused on policy-driven and academically-supported initiatives that aid the Ministry of Interior in implementing effective source segregation and reutilization of sorted waste, aiming to create a zero-waste society. Today's success also aligns with the policy statement delivered by the Prime Minister to the Parliament, emphasizing the creation of a clean environment for everyone. Also, Pol. Gen. Phatcharavat thanked the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations in Thailand for their pivotal roles in establishing the National Waste Bank, a key step that facilitates broader participation from various organizations in systematic and comprehensive waste segregation. This initiative benefits the public across all sectors and drives the nation towards achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions efficiently.