Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), co-presided over the opening of the 64th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-64) at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Climate Change and Environment, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the session is attended by scientists, experts, and government representatives from 138 countries. The meeting aims to define the operational framework and scope of the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), which will serve as a critical mechanism in shaping global greenhouse gas emission reduction policies for this decade. The focus remains on strengthening scientific knowledge regarding causes, impacts, risks, and strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This includes the development of guidelines for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, the compilation of inventories for short-lived climate pollutants, and the consideration of projects and budgets under the IPCC Trust Fund.

Speaking on behalf of the Thai government, Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej expressed her honor in co-hosting this significant global climate science meeting. She extended a warm welcome to the IPCC leadership, including Professor Sir Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC, and Mr. Abdalah Mokssit, Secretary of the IPCC, as well as representatives from the WMO, UNEP, UNFCCC, and scientists from across the globe. She emphasized the challenges posed by the intensifying climate crisis, which affects ecosystems, economies, and the quality of life for people worldwide. Thailand prioritizes the practical application of scientific knowledge by supporting actions under the Paris Agreement, aiming for Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Furthermore, the country is pushing for climate change legislation, developing carbon credit markets, and enhancing adaptive capacity through efficient early warning systems, grounded in the principle of multi-sectoral participation to drive the nation toward a sustainable low-carbon economy.

Professor Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC, expressed his gratitude to Thailand and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as the co-hosts. He emphasized that IPCC reports will reflect humanity’s deepening understanding of climate science, which has catalyzed global efforts to address climate change issues. These reports serve as the essential scientific foundation for the continuous strengthening and development of global climate governance systems.