Bangkok – 21 October 2025 – At the recent Sustainability Expo 2025, One Bangkok hosted a special forum titled “Planet Shift 2025: Navigating the Crisis Towards the City of the Future.”
Leaders from the public and private sectors participated, shared collaborative efforts to advance the city. The discussion aimed to transform the mindset from “adapting to change” to “designing the future” for true sustainability.
The forum’s keynote speaker, Dr. Youssef Nassef, Director of the Adaptation Division at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), urged a shift towards proactive design, stating, “The future does not happen to us. We happen to the future.”
This vision was echoed by Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Property Limited, who introduced the private sector’s framework of “Moderation, Reasonableness, and Prudence”, an extension of the sufficiency economy philosophy.
He stressed that sustainability is an inclusive process of collective growth, a philosophy embodied by One Bangkok. This very philosophy is meticulously woven into the fabric of One Bangkok, conceived as far more than a real estate venture.
It is a meticulously designed urban ecosystem, seamlessly integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions to cultivate a city that thrives with enduring stability and shared value. This vision perfectly encapsulates Frasers Property’s purpose: “Inspiring experiences, creating places for good.”
A concluding panel discussion confirmed robust cross-sector collaboration. Representatives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the financial sector (Bangkok Bank), and One Bangkok shared a unified commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship through green investments and public-private partnerships.
Urasate Navanugraha, Chief Investment Officer of One Bangkok, detailed how this “sufficient investment” yields tangible returns. He highlighted that One Bangkok exemplifies this by efficiently utilizing prime downtown land while devoting a substantial 25 rai of lush green space back to the city.
Beyond this, its meticulously planned infrastructure actively promotes public transportation, offers direct connection to the expressway to alleviate traffic congestion, and incorporates utility systems designed for optimal energy and water conservation.
Tangible examples include a centralized air conditioning system that achieves up to 15% energy savings and a water recycling system projected to save nearly 3 million cubic meters of tap water annually.
Urasate noted that this approach not only reduces operational costs but also attracts sustainability-conscious clients and streamlines access to Green Financing.
These insightful discussions demonstrate the commitment and robust collaboration across all sectors towards building the city of the future. This vision extends beyond mere aesthetics and prosperity, firmly embracing sufficiency, enduring sustainability, and a harmonious equilibrium between economic vitality, societal well-being, and environmental stewardship.
The journey towards this transformative future begins with a clear, shared mindset, propelled by sustained action, and fortified by united forces. Together, we can surmount challenges and advance towards our collective aspiration: “Sufficient for Sustainability,” ensuring a happier, higher quality of life for all.
