Acknowledgments: Thank you to Peeranee ‘Ami’ Suparak for coordinating donations and trusting us to donate to an incredible foundation. Thank you to the Duang Prateep Foundation team for being open to our donations and being patient with our logistics. I hope that I can add a drop in the river you flow.

During the 15th Annual AWID Forum, held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from December 2nd to 5th, local activists engaged in an ongoing discussion about waste generated during the event. We collectively questioned the destination of leftover stationery and unused items bought solely for the conference. This sparked brainstorming on how to address the issue.

Before the forum, I consulted with Resurj, a feminist organization that set up the Young Feminist Space to provide a safe and welcoming environment for young feminists visiting from across the globe. During our planning, we reflected on the sustainability and waste management practices of such events, a value central to feminist principles. We resolved to donate unused and reusable items to a local foundation that would benefit greatly from them—leading us to the Duang Prateep Foundation.

Duang Prateep Foundation

Established on August 31, 1978, by Khru Prateep and her sister Khru Mingphon, Duang Prateep, a non-profit charity addresses the needs of the underserved Khlong Toei community, where parents often work long hours in impoverished conditions. The foundation began with a school offering education for just one baht per day, earning it the nickname “One Baht School.” Over time, it evolved into “ChumChon Moo Ban Patthana” (โรงเรียนชุมชนหมู่บ้านพัฒนา), now a cornerstone of learning and support in the community.

Beyond education, the foundation runs impactful programs like fire prevention, senior citizen support, harm reduction initiatives, and rehabilitation for girls and young women survivors. It also supports welfare access, fights drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, and promotes gender inclusion and LGBTIQ+ inclusion in education through partnerships like the HEARTS Project with Save the Children Thailand benefiting children of diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC).

Their dedication to the community deeply inspired me, making them the perfect recipients for the donated items.

Why is Sustainability Important During an International Event?

Sustainability in conferences is essential for minimizing environmental impacts, enhancing social responsibility, and promoting economic efficiency. Conferences generate substantial waste and emissions, from paper programs to energy-intensive venues. Implementing sustainable practices, such as digital materials, eco-friendly venues, and waste reduction initiatives, helps mitigate environmental harm. Moreover, sustainability demonstrates an organization’s commitment to ethical practices, aligning with the values of increasingly eco-conscious attendees. This not only attracts positive media attention but also fosters loyalty among participants and stakeholders.

Additionally, sustainable conferences often reduce operational costs by minimizing resource usage and improving efficiency. These practices future-proof the event industry against stricter environmental regulations and the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. Beyond practical benefits, sustainable conferences contribute to long-term global goals by raising awareness and driving collective action for environmental stewardship.

Ultimately, sustainability in conferences is not just an ethical imperative but a strategic advantage. It showcases leadership, enhances attendee experiences, and leaves a positive legacy by balancing the needs of the present without compromising the future.

How Can Conferences Be Sustainable?

There are multiple ways to make your conference or event sustainable, here are the following ways:

• Go Paperless: Replace printed materials with digital alternatives, such as e-tickets, mobile apps, and QR codes, to reduce paper waste
• Eco-Friendly Venues: Choose venues with sustainable certifications or those that use renewable energy, efficient waste management, and water-saving systems
• Sustainable Catering: Provide locally sourced, organic, and seasonal food to lower transportation emissions and support local businesses
• Reduce Waste: Minimize single-use items by opting for reusable tableware or other items that can be rented or donated and offering recycling and composting bins throughout the venue
• Eco-Conscious Transportation: Encourage attendees to use public transport, carpool, or opt for green travel options like biking to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
• Digital Networking: Facilitate online engagement opportunities, such as hybrid or fully virtual events, to reduce travel-related emissions
• Energy Efficiency: Use energy-saving lighting, heating, and cooling systems at the venue to minimize energy use
• Create a Donation Plan: Collaborate with local organizations and foundations ahead of time to identify where unused or donatable items can be distributed effectively

Donations to Duang Prateep Foundation

Two truckloads of supplies were generously donated to the Duang Prateep Foundation following the AWID Forum. A heartfelt thanks to the Sexual Rights Initiative and RESURJ for their incredible contributions, including:

• About 60 plastic chairs of different sizes (From the Sexual Rights Initiative’s #EmptyChairsCampaign)
• Stationary (Pens, Color Markers, White Board Markers, Sticky Notes, Permanent Markers, Scissors, A4 size papers, Envelops, Flip Charts, etc)
• Dart Game Set
• Twister Game Set
• Paper Cups with Lids
• 3 Bean Bags
• 10 Floor Cushions
• Stickers

I encourage all conference organizers to take a similar approach at their events. If you need support with event logistics, including sustainability efforts and contributions to underserved communities, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

Edits: 9/12/24 Corrected Khru Prateep’s name and linked to Wikipedia page. Corrected school name from “Muban Phatthana Rural School” to “ChumChon Moo Ban Patthana”