Bangkok, 17 February 2026 — Representatives from the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD) and the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) met to explore strategic collaboration opportunities in advancing circular economy and sustainable development across the ASEAN region.
During the meeting, ACSDSD introduced its evolution since its establishment in 2019 during Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship, including its transition into a foundation under Thai law in 2024. ACSDSD highlighted its mandate to promote sustainable development across ASEAN’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental pillars, with key activities spanning research and PhD scholarships, youth engagement initiatives, and regional circular economy platforms and forums.
Particular emphasis was placed on ACSDSD’s leadership in circular economy initiatives, including hosting the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) and organising the ASEAN Circular Economy Forum (ACEF). The 2026 ACEF will be held in Bangkok as part of ASEAN Sustainable Development Week, alongside a thematic conference in Manila focusing on MSMEs, complemented by year-round policy webinars.
TEI shared its more than 30 years of experience as a leading environmental foundation in Thailand, working across research, capacity building, policy support, environmental labelling, and field-based projects. TEI’s environmental certification schemes—including the Green Label, Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), Circular Mark, and Community Eco-label—were highlighted as practical tools to support sustainable production, consumption, and MSME participation in the circular economy.
Both organisations identified strong potential for collaboration, particularly in circular economy knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and capacity building. Proposed areas included TEI’s participation as expert speakers in ACSDSD webinars and regional forums, collaboration on youth and education initiatives, and support for disseminating research and good practices. The discussion also acknowledged shared challenges, such as ecolabelling harmonisation in ASEAN, MSME accessibility, and the need for stronger policy coordination across sectors.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance concrete cooperation. ACSDSD will follow up on inviting TEI to upcoming regional platforms and forums, while both sides will designate focal points to operationalise collaboration in support of inclusive and practical circular economy transition in ASEAN.
About us:
The ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) is a regional facility helping ASEAN Member States (AMS) achieve sustainable consumption and production by accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.
Website: ce.acsdsd.org
Facebook: ASEAN CE Platform
LinkedIn: ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP)