UNU/UNESCO International Conference
Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities
for Science and Technology
August 23 - 24, 2006
Yokohama, Japan
Sustainable Development and the Sufficiency Economy:
Role of Science and Technology
by
Monthip Sriratana Tabucanon
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Thailand
Abstract
Advances in science and technology have been recognized as among the vital prime
drivers of globalization. These advances have made the world smaller through rapid
communication, faster and accurate information flows, and reliable knowledge
exchanges, among others.
But in the midst of increasing globalization, a new development paradigm has
emerged – one which embraces the global concern on sustainability. Sustainable
development is designed to serve the needs of all peoples, enough and forever. But in
as much as science and technology have propelled globalization, there is no doubt that
they also serve as imperative tools in supporting sustainable development processes.
Science and technology education must be addressed widely – both in the formal and
non-formal sectors, and both in the formal and informal curricula. The critical and
salient issues that make science and technology education effective for sustainable
development need to be analyzed. The case of Thailand will be considered, with the
hope that the issues would have implications to the rest of the world, and that lessons
can be learned from the Thai experience. Particular reference will be made to His
Majesty, The King of Thailand’s new theory and the Sufficiency Economy
Philosophy, as well as to His Majesty’s effective teaching and learning approaches
used throughout his reign. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy takes a middle path
approach towards sustainable development and is based on the foundations of
moderation, reasonableness and resilience. The philosophy is underpinned by
knowledge and morality.
These salient issues are then linked to the overall approach of sustainable development.
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