University of Phayao Joins East Asia and Pacific University Presidents Meeting to Advance Sustainability
On 14 October 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University of Phayao, participated in the 2026 University Presidents Meeting (UPM): East Asia & the Pacific, held online via Zoom and convened by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The meeting brought together university leaders and representatives of international organizations to exchange perspectives and practices on advancing sustainable development through higher education and regional cooperation.
Also participating from the University of Phayao were Assistant Professor Suwit Panyawong, Vice President for Environment and Landscape; Associate Professor Phanintra Teeranon, Ph.D., Assistant to the President; and Mr. Prakitpun Pattanahiruntamrong, Head of International Relations Office.
The meeting explored how universities can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change through education, research, innovation, and the development of future leaders. It also sought to strengthen partnerships among universities, the United Nations, and other stakeholders, connecting academic knowledge with practical responses to societal challenges.
During the discussion, Professor Jeffrey Sachs emphasized universities’ distinctive ability to bring together expertise across disciplines to address interconnected challenges, including climate change, energy, land use, agriculture, inequality, and human well-being. Universities can support governments through analysis, research, and evidence-based strategic planning, providing an important foundation for effective policymaking and long-term sustainable development.
Participants exchanged institutional approaches from across the region. Sunway University in Malaysia highlighted its emphasis on positive societal impact, using education, research, and community engagement as key drivers. The University of Tasmania in Australia described its integration of sustainability across teaching, research, and university operations. Singapore Management University in Singapore emphasized sustainability skills for learners at different stages of life, alongside project-based learning and support for entrepreneurial innovation.
Another key theme was the responsible and equitable use of artificial intelligence (AI). The UN Women representative encouraged universities to help identify algorithmic bias, develop gender-sensitive data and independent evidence, and support AI governance grounded in safety, dignity, and equality. The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) representative highlighted human potential, ethical leadership, and future-ready skills, stressing the importance of regional cooperation to ensure that technological change does not widen inequalities between institutions and countries.
Contributions from Thailand illustrated the value of university networks, culture, and local knowledge in advancing sustainability, as well as the use of provincial SDG data to inform public policy. These examples demonstrated how academic expertise can be connected with local contexts to benefit communities and support national sustainability efforts.
During the meeting, the University of Phayao’s sustainability website was shared through the online chat, introducing participants to the university’s sustainability initiatives.
🌱 The University of Phayao ranked 96th worldwide and 8th in Thailand in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026, achieving 8,687.5 points among 2,016 participating institutions worldwide and securing a place in the ranking’s global top 100. UI GreenMetric
Connecting knowledge. Building partnerships. Shaping a sustainable future.