UNCTAD, Thailand Cooperate to Train Women Researchers and Entrepreneurs

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have partnered to educate and train women researchers and entrepreneurs on the kingdom's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model.

Thailand's research community proposed the BCG, which is promoted by the government in its efforts to recover from the pandemic. The new economic model maximises the country's strengths, namely biological diversity and cultural richness, and makes use of technology to push towards Thailand's sustainable growth.

The collaboration between the TSRI and UNCTAD will see the training of women researchers and entrepreneurs on how to adapt and introduce the BCG model in their own countries, according to a press release by UNCTAD on March 31. The agreement between the two organisations was formalised on March 29, in the Commission on Science and Technology for Development's (CSTD) 26th session.

The first phase of the partnership will see a training workshop in Bangkok in August 2023, which will be participated by 15 women researchers and entrepreneurs from developing countries. Women experts, policymakers, and successful entrepreneurs will also join the workshop to give insights and guidance.

“As we look to the future, it is time to focus on approaches to well-being, equality and productivity that can work for developing countries," TSRI President Patamawadee Pochanukul was quoted as saying. "Female entrepreneurs and researchers have high potential that has not been tapped."

Read about Thailand's BCG Economic Model on the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council's website.