On July 1, 2025, the Division of Enterprise and Social Sustainability at Khon Kaen University held a meeting to present and exchange ideas on strategies for supporting and empowering communities as part of the university’s commitment to sustainable development. The meeting was led by Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Social Sustainability, and included staff members from KKU’s Center for Enterprise and Social Sustainability. They met with Assistant Professor Dr. Suntaree Buchitchon, Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, along with executives, faculty, and staff at the NK1407 meeting room, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, KKU Nong Khai Campus.
This meeting forms part of the university’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, specifically under its mission to deliver academic services that benefit society and to build collaborative partnerships for sustainable development. A key focus is to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to strengthen and uplift communities across the Greater Mekong Subregion in a meaningful and lasting way.
Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmars emphasized that Khon Kaen University recognizes its vital role as a key driver of development in the Upper Northeastern region and the broader Mekong area. Achieving sustainable community development, she noted, requires collaborative thinking and action. This involves connecting the university’s diverse resources with the specific needs of local communities, whether in agriculture, food systems, product processing, healthcare, or identity-based community development.
The main goal of the meeting was to jointly design a development framework that channels university knowledge into community support and fosters cross-border cooperation across the Mekong network. This effort seeks to strengthen communities across multiple dimensions—including economic resilience, social well-being, education, environmental sustainability, and health—by adopting a concrete interdisciplinary approach.
The initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through these efforts, the university aims to improve the quality of life and ensure long-term strength and sustainability for communities throughout the Mekong Subregion.
