KKU Advances ‘SDGs in All Policies’ Strategy, Systematically Planning for a Sustainable Society

15 December 2025
16:21

Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently hosted a comprehensive workshop aimed at developing operational plans to foster sustainable community and social engagement, reflecting the University’s commitment to integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all its core missions.

Khon Kaen, Thailand – On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Khon Kaen University organised a Strategic Planning Workshop to formulate operational plans for promoting collaboration toward sustainable community and social development. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the event, delivering the policy framework for this strategic drive. The event saw full attendance from University executives, Deans, and staff from all departments, convened at the Ratchawadee Meeting Room, Juad Cafe, Sila Sub-district, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province.

This seminar underscores Khon Kaen University’s dedicated ethos as the “University of Social Devotion.” The initiative aims to integrate knowledge, research, and academic potential to create tangible and positive impacts on the community and society, aligning directly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The morning session featured special lectures, including “The Path to Sustainability Impact Ratings: Challenges and Powerful Reporting” and “Data Collection and Preparation of SDG Impact Reports in Compliance with International Standards.” These lectures were delivered by Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability. The focus was on enhancing systemic operations, measuring social outcomes, and communicating impacts effectively.

The afternoon session consisted of a hands-on workshop, where participants engaged in focused group discussions to collaboratively design the operational plan for sustained cooperation in community and social development for Fiscal Year 2026. This process enabled departments to exchange practical experiences and integrate missions across education, research, academic services, and administration. The proposed plans were subsequently reviewed, refined, and aligned to ensure feasible implementation and tangible social outcomes.

Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, stated that this seminar marks a significant step in driving the University forward under the ‘SDGs in All Policies’ framework. This framework integrates sustainability into all four primary missions of the University:

Education: Focuses on creating graduates who are responsible global citizens.
Research: Emphasises research that addresses community and national challenges.
Administration: Aims for Khon Kaen University to become a green, transparent, and well-governed institution.
Academic Services: Positions the University as a true development partner working alongside local communities.

Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability

President Charnchai further expressed confidence that the active and collective participation of executives and staff from all departments would foster a shared institutional understanding of the University’s sustainability trajectory. This collaboration is expected to lead to the development of a robust system for tracking, evaluating, and reporting SDG progress, reinforcing Khon Kaen University’s role as a higher education institution genuinely committed to sustainable social transformation.