On 23 February 2026, Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), delivered a special lecture on sustainability science in action titled “Transformative Pathways Towards a Resilient Society.”
The event was hosted by the Sustainable Environment Research Institute (SERI), Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Environment, Development and Sustainability Programme (EDS), the UNESCO MOST Programme, and the Institute for Asian Studies.
Professor Takeuchi highlighted the evolution of sustainability science—from systems-based analysis to transformative, solution-oriented, and transdisciplinary research that bridges science, policy, and society. He emphasised that while sustainability represents a normative societal goal, resilience reflects the capacity of socio-ecological systems to absorb shocks, adapt to change, and undergo necessary transformation. Together, these concepts provide a foundation for navigating complex global challenges.
The lecture underscored the urgency of the “decisive decade” for global sustainability, highlighting the need to align climate action, biodiversity conservation, and human well-being within integrated governance frameworks. Drawing on practical examples such as the Satoyama Initiative, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR), and compact city development. Professor Takeuchi illustrated how multi-level governance and nature-based approaches can operationalise sustainability in practice. He also introduced the concept of regional Circulating and Ecological Spheres (CES) as a model for integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions across urban-rural systems.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion on contextualizing these transformative pathways within Southeast Asia. Participants explored how sustainability science can inform regional efforts to strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and promote inclusive urban-rural development. The lecture reaffirmed the importance of collaborative partnerships among academia, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.
Event Details
Sustainable Environment Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University (SERI), 15th Fl. Sabbasastravicaya Building
Presentation Materials
Programme
| 09:00-09:15 | Opening Remarks | ||
| Welcome Address | Supot Teachavorasinskhun, Former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University | ||
| Introduction | UNESCO Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Program. Poom Moosilpa, Deputy Chair Thailand UNESCO-MOST National Committee, and Vice President of Srinakharinwirot University | ||
| Jun Ichihara, Director, IGES Bangkok Regional Centre | |||
| Ratchada Jayagupta, Director, Asian Research Center for Migration, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University | |||
| 09:15-09:55 | Special Lecture | "Towards the Establishment of a Sustainable and Resilient Society" Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and Project Professor, Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), University of Tokyo | PDF (6.8MB) |
| 09:55-10:55 | Chula Case Study | "Chula-International Collaboration on Social and Sustainability Sciences for Sustainable Agrifood Systems and SDGs in ASEAN, 2015-2025" Wayne Nelles, Visiting Scholar, Chulalongkorn University School of Agriculture Resources (CUSAR) | |
| Surichai Wun-gaeo, Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Chulalongkorn University | |||
| 10:05-10:45 | Q&A & Discussion | An open forum for students, researchers, and faculty to discuss transformative systemic change and sustainability science. | |
| 10:45-11:00 | Closing Remarks | Summary and vote of thanks by a representative of Chulalongkorn University. Suthirat Kittipongvises, Director, Environment, Development and Sustainability (EDS), Chulalongkorn University and SERI Lecturer | |
