Business Report :
The 11th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC2025) kicks off today in Bangkok bringing together a distinguished community of global leaders, policymakers, academics, and sustainability practitioners. Organised by the Tomorrow People Organisation, this premier international event has attracted participants from over 25 countries, all committed to addressing critical global challenges and fostering innovative solutions toward sustainable development.
Distinguished delegates from Bangladesh, Australia, South Korea, India, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Colombia, Malaysia, Lithuania, Taiwan, the United States, and Kuwait-among others-will present their papers at the conference,.
Scheduled to run from July 15 to July 17, 2025, SDC2025 continues a decade-long tradition of facilitating impactful dialogue and collaborative action on sustainability issues. In an era characterized by escalating climate change impacts, biodiversity crisis, economic disparities, and energy transitions, the conference provides an essential platform for exchanging knowledge, forging partnerships, and developing actionable strategies, says a press release.
What distinguishes this year’s gathering is its robust focus on practical, implementable solutions alongside high-level discourse. The conference features a diverse array of sessions, including keynotes from renowned experts, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Core themes include sustainable economic growth, environmental conservation, social equity, and the transition to renewable energy.
From Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Touhidul Alam Khan, Managing Director and CEO of NRBC Bank PLC, will present his PhD research on an Integrated Credit and Sustainability Risk Rating Model.
This innovative approach provides financial institutions with a comprehensive framework to assess both financial and socio-environmental risks under Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), signaling a major advancement toward sustainable banking in developing economies.
Recognized as Bangladesh’s first Certified Sustainability Reporting Assurer (CSRA), Dr. Khan’s expertise has garnered international acclaim. His appointment as a member of the Scientific Committee of the conference underscores his growing influence in integrating sustainability practices within banking and finance sectors worldwide. In this role, he will contribute to shaping the conference’s academic content, evaluating research submissions, and steering discussions on innovative sustainability solutions.
The event features formats such as co-creation workshops, encouraging participants to develop business models that harmonize profitability with social and environmental responsibility. These sessions aim to inspire transformative approaches for corporations eager to drive positive societal impact while maintaining economic viability.
Bangkok, a city exemplifying rapid urbanization coupled with progressive sustainability initiatives, provides an ideal backdrop for the conference. Attendees will have opportunities to witness firsthand how urban centers can address sustainability challenges through innovative practices.
Beyond formal sessions, the conference offers extensive networking opportunities, connecting diverse stakeholders-from government officials and corporate leaders to grassroots activists and academic researchers. This diversity fosters cross-sector collaboration and the exchange of ideas critical to advancing global sustainability efforts.
As the world races toward the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDC2025 takes on heightened significance. It serves not only as a platform for sharing best practices but also as a catalyst for new partnerships and initiatives aimed at accelerating progress on the SDGs.
With a blend of expert insights, practical workshops, and dynamic networking, SDC2025 is poised to contribute meaningful advancements to the global sustainability agenda. Over the next three days, participants will work toward developing adaptable solutions-spanning policy reforms, innovative business models, and community-driven interventions-that can be implemented worldwide.
The energy and enthusiasm SDC2025 will be remembered as a landmark in international sustainability cooperation-a gathering that unites the brightest minds and most dedicated practitioners to confront some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. As the conference progresses, all eyes will be on the innovative solutions and global partnerships emerging from this influential assembly.
Dr. Md Touhidul Alam Khan, who is also the fellow member of Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) reflected on his participation, “SDC2025 represents a transformative platform where global sustainability leaders can drive meaningful change. My role on the Scientific Committee affirms Bangladesh’s pioneering efforts in sustainable banking. This conference will amplify our country’s voice in critical international development dialogues.”
