From 19–21 May 2025, the National Convergence Inception Workshop took place in Bangkok, marking a pivotal moment in Thailand’s commitment to sustainable food systems and climate resilience. The event launched Thailand’s participation in the UN Convergence Initiative, making it the eighth country globally and second in Asia-Pacific to join this forward-looking effort.
Beeld: © United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, a strategic partner of the initiative, was represented by H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, who delivered the opening remarks.
One of the biggest challenges we face is how to produce enough safe and affordable food for all with minimal or no negative impact on our planet and lives. We have to adapt not only how we produce our food, but also reconsider what we eat. Thailand and the Netherlands already work together on improving food systems, and I believe there’s great potential to deepen this cooperation further for mutual benefit.
- said Ambassador van Wijngaarden.
Beeld: © BAN LAN Office
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including government agencies, international organizations, researchers, and civil society groups, to co-create a Convergence Action Blueprint that aligns food system transformation with climate priorities under Thailand’s upcoming national development plan.
In his speech, the Ambassador highlighted opportunities for cooperation, ranging from high-tech solutions like IoT and AI to nature-based methods such as improved soil and water management. He emphasized that sustainable food production is not only a national priority but a shared global challenge.
This event reaffirms the close collaboration between Thailand and the Netherlands in building resilient, inclusive, and future-proof food systems.
Read more at: UN Food Systems Hub – Thailand Launches Convergence Initiative