On May 27, 2024, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony of the 1st International Agricultural Forum at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nakhon Nan Buddhist College.
The 1st International Agricultural Forum will be held during May 27-29, 2024, at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nakhon Nan Buddhist College, Fai Kaew Sub-District, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province. Fostered by RAKPANAN FOUNDATION Under Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the event has been jointly coordinated by Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nakhon Nan Buddhist College and Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok), in collaboration with seven other participating agencies as follows: Cultivation of Wisdom Foundation, Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization), Thailand, ASEAN-China Economy and Trade Promotion Association, Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization), Thailand, Kasikornthai Foundation, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna and Chulalongkorn University
The event will have more than 600 participants from both the public and private sectors, as well as academic and research organizations from more than 10 countries. The International Agricultural Forum has been organized to give participants the opportunity to exchange academic knowledge, build research networks and develop agricultural innovations for use in the drive to address poverty and develop sustainable communities, ultimately leading to the restoration of Nan forest, one of the pristine headwater forest of Thailand and the world.
The 1st International Agricultural Forum serves as a testament to Thailand's commitment to advancing agricultural progress through innovations and laying the foundation for the future. It aims to leverage the strategic advantage of the northern region’s location as the “gateway to the North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC)” to foster sub-regional cooperation in order to access new markets for agricultural collaboration, and elevate sustainable agriculture.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been welcomed by the co-chairs of the event, Associate Professor Phachayanunthamunee, Ph.D., Director of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nan Buddhist College, and Mr. Banthoon Lamsam, Vice Chairperson of the RAKPANAN FOUNDATION under Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, along with members of the Organizing Committee.
In the auditorium of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nakhon Nan Buddhist College, Mr. Chainarong Wongyai, the Governor of Nan Province, will present the official forum program, and Mr. Banthoon Lamsam, will deliver a formal address to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Subsequently, Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, will give a speech on Thai-Chinese cooperation in supporting reforestation efforts under the Rak Pa Nan Project. At the conclusion of the speech, as a demonstration of the steadfast dedication to ensuring the fulfillment of the forum's objectives, Dr. Jiang Biao, Director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok), will present a medicinal plant processing machine worth 15 million Baht to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This equipment is vital in the value chain of plant-based medicine production, which will contribute to the reforestation efforts aimed at preserving Nan Province’s headwater forests.
Lastly, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will deliver the opening remarks at the 1st International Agricultural Forum before leaving the auditorium to visit the Agricultural Innovations Exhibition and the showcase of Nan’s local products.
Overall, other interesting activities at the 1st International Agricultural Forum to be held May 27-29, 2024, at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Nakhon Nan Buddhist College, Fai Kaew Sub-District, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province, include the signing ceremony of the Nan Declaration on Cooperation – the first for Nan – more than 12 participating agencies from Thailand and China to jointly develop and enhance Nan’s agricultural products for sustainable headwater forest rehabilitation. The event will also feature 13 panel discussions and seminars under the theme of “Neo-Regional Development on Biodiversity and Agricultural Sustainability” with participation from keynote speakers to share knowledge and perspectives on various aspects, as well as the Agricultural Innovations Exhibition and showcase of Nan’s local products by more than 80 participants. Interested persons can join the seminars and shop for products at the event on May 28-29, 2024.