Khon Kaen University Partners with Multi-Sector Networks to Launch “Sustainability for All 2026” to Bridge Knowledge, Reduce Inequality, and Create Sustainable Economic Opportunities

18 August 2026
14:40

Khon Kaen University has joined forces with public and private sector partners to launch the “Sustainability for All 2026” initiative, aimed at translating academic research into community economic growth and fostering inclusive societal development.

On 17 August 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU)—represented by the Office of Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, the Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, and the KKU Science Park—collaborated with public and private sector partners to open the “Sustainability for All 2026: Co-Thinking, Co-Creating, Sustainable Co-Development” event. Held at the Promotion Area, G Floor, Central Khon Kaen Campus Shopping Centre, the two-day event featured over 50 exhibition and retail booths from local community enterprises across Khon Kaen Province. The programme encompassed cultural performances, fashion shows, hands-on workshops, and academic panel discussions.

The event centred on the core concept of connecting “Knowledge–Innovation–Community–Market” to add value to community products, strengthen the foundational economy, and provide equitable economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, aligned with the university’s ESG-driven sustainable development goals.

On the same occasion, four institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Khon Kaen University, represented by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, MD, President of Khon Kaen University; the Khon Kaen Provincial Agricultural Office, represented by Mr. Santiphab Thonhongsa; the Khon Kaen Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security, represented by Ms. Sopit Suwanhong; and the Khon Kaen Provincial Community Development Office, represented by Mrs. Jirapha Chueduangphui. Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsan, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, presided over the signing ceremony as an official witness.

During his welcoming address, Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsan, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, stated that the collaborative event serves as a symbolic and practical commitment to generating economic value and enhancing the quality of life for local citizens. He noted that the initiative builds and passes on opportunities to the local youth, creates employment, develops occupational skills, and enables persons with disabilities to generate income and demonstrate their full potential, thereby reducing social inequality and driving sustainable provincial economic growth.

Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, remarked during his opening address that KKU remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a “University of Social Devotion and Creation.” He emphasized that academic knowledge achieves its true value only when applied to create tangible societal transformation. Consequently, the event represents an integration of academia, government, the private sector, and local communities to convert knowledge into sustainable opportunities and collective action.

Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, revealed that KKU has applied scientific and technological expertise to upcycle waste materials, such as fabric scraps, into creative products that generate income for elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and local micro-entrepreneurs. She stressed that the university operates beyond silos by maintaining close partnerships across all sectors, noting that the ultimate measure of success is whether community enterprises can achieve real sales and sustainable income, forming the bedrock of a community-level circular economy that contributes to the broader national economic framework.

Furthermore, Ms. Apinya Asarach, Deputy Director of the Art and Cultural Centre at Khon Kaen University, highlighted that integrating arts, culture, and creative design into local economic development enhances the commercial value of local identity. Citing the Ubolratana Community Identity and Product Development Project led by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, she explained how joint efforts produced comprehensive documentation of local heritage, illustrating how KKU assists communities in discovering and sustaining their intrinsic value.

Mrs. Kanya Sangkhasi, Chairwoman of the Ban Dong Sewing Community Enterprise in Ubolratana District, added that after receiving guidance on product development from KKU, her enterprise restructured into specialized units—weaving, sewing, and processing. This operational refinement broadened their product range and improved quality, allowing members to participate regularly in government trade expos, secure stable household income, and build long-term community resilience.