Bangkok – May 22, 2026 – Siam Piwat Group, Thailand’s leading real estate and retail developer and the proprietor of globally recognized destinations of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and a collaborative partner in ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, has strengthened its reputation as a global sustainability leader by establishing a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP BIOFIN) to host the “International Day for Biological Diversity 2026”. Under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact”, the event will gather distinguished international delegates, academics, business leaders, and representatives from civil society to develop a sustainable biodiversity model.
The event will additionally launch strategic partnerships as part of the “NEXTOPIA Gaming Application – Digital Finance for Nature”. This innovative digital financing tool aims to promote biodiversity conservation in Thailand while encouraging urban residents to preserve local ecosystems through an edutainment approach and crowdfunding on the ONESIAM SuperApp platform. From May 22 to 24, 2026, NEXTOPIA, a prototype city of the future located on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon, will be transformed into a Local-to-Global Hub to facilitate knowledge exchange, inspire innovation, and promote collaboration in biodiversity conservation, thereby linking local initiatives to an international stage.
This significant event is organized in support of the Global Biodiversity Framework, with the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact”. It emphasizes the essential role of actions at all levels in achieving global biodiversity goals. The event will feature a distinguished panel of experts and leaders from prominent organizations, including Niamh Collier-Smith, the UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand; Her Excellency HE. Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Thailand, and Solaya Na Songkhla, Senior Vice President and Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Sustainability at B. Grimm Power PCL.
Additional participants include Sornsawan Phongphao, Project Manager of Biodiversity Finance Initiative at the United Nations Development Programme; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Sustainability Advisor of Siam Piwat Group; Chanisa Kaewruen, Head of Creative and Innovation at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd; Dr. Pornchai Chutamas Secretary, Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiative of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG Foundation); Oraya Sootabutr, Co-founder of the Big Trees Project Foundation; Klaomard Yipintsoi, Director of the Office of the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi; Sasin Chalermlarp, an independent academic; and Environman, a leading online media and community focused on environmental issues. A panel of experts comes together to share insights and practical strategies to enhance understanding and awareness of biodiversity challenges, while advocating for ecosystem protection and promoting sustainable practices.
International Forum: Integrating Global Policy with Practical Implementation
The highlight of “International Day for Biodiversity 2026”, scheduled for May 22, 2026, will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives of the United Nations, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and members of civil society. This forum seeks to facilitate a robust exchange of insights and case studies on biodiversity conservation with a focus on the interdependencies among policy frameworks, investment strategies, and effective implementation practices.
The forum will be organized into three key parts. The first part, “The Global Vision”, will address the current global environmental landscape, examine the private sector’s role in environmental stewardship, and emphasize the significance of ESG investments in achieving sustainable outcomes for the natural environment. The second part, “The Collaboration: Local Roots & Heart of Nature”, will unveil strategies to advance the Biodiversity Finance Plan, which seeks to mitigate the financing gap for nature in Thailand. This initiative represents a significant collaboration between Siam Piwat and UNDP BIOFIN. It incorporates NEXTOPIA Digital Gaming as a crowdfunding mechanism to support the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation and RSPG Foundation in protecting Thailand’s valuable ecosystems. Finally, the third part, “The Blue Frontier”, will focus on collaborative efforts to preserve Thailand’s coastlines and restore marine biodiversity for sustainable development.
Workshop: Crafting for the Planet and Exploring Biodiversity through the Arts
The prominent event titled “Crafting for the Planet” is a creative workshop scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24, 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm. The workshop is open to the public and seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of biodiversity through a variety of artistic, crafting, and scientific activities. Highlights of the workshop include terrarium-building sessions to cultivate understanding of ecosystems and plant genetics, as well as marine-material crafting activities to explore coastal resources. The attendees will also have the opportunity to create eco-friendly products, fostering sustainable practices in their everyday lives. By participating in this workshop, individuals will not only acquire valuable insights but also reaffirm their commitment to environmental stewardship, embodying the belief that “changing the world begins in our own hands”.
Bangkok Urban Biodiversity: Integrating Urban and Forest Ecosystems to Enhance Ecosystem Resilience and Quality of Life in the Capital
On May 23, from 2-4 pm, participants are invited to explore the significance of civic engagement and volunteerism, with a focus on how civil society movements and local innovations can help transform Bangkok into a greener, biodiverse city. The session will be organized into two primary themes.
The first theme, “Citizen Science for Biodiversity”, will examine the achievements and impacts of the City Nature Challenge (CNC), an initiative that encourages public participation in surveying and documenting urban biodiversity. The discussion will feature contributions from the Nature Plearn Club, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Thailand (GYBN Thailand), and Wanghin Lab, an educational space that integrates biodiversity with scientific and artistic perspectives.
The second theme, “Urban Forest and Plant Diversity in Bangkok”, will highlight narratives centered on the city’s urban forests and plant diversity. Highlighted projects include the Onnut Urban Forest project, which represents the transformation of a former waste-management site into a vital green space; the Big Trees Project, which advocates for the effective management of urban trees; and the Mahidol Flower Lab, which researches plant diversity that elevates conventional tree planting into comprehensive ecological studies aimed at identifying plant species best suited for urban ecosystems. Additionally, the 30×30 Thailand Coalition aims to conserve at least 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas by the year 2030.
Photography That Narrates Nature’s Tale: When Science Meets Humanity
From May 19 to 24, NEXTOPIA will present a photography exhibition featuring the work of Chittiwat Pornprasert, a distinguished documentary photographer renowned for his exploration of “Hidden Paradise”, referring to natural areas situated outside of protected zones which coexist alongside human communities and are often overlooked or inadequately explored.
The photographs aim to bridge scientific understanding with human emotion and experience, encouraging viewers to recognize that biodiversity is not merely an abstract concept but an essential aspect of daily life coexisting with individuals across diverse environments and communities. Chittiwat Pornprasert will also give a special talk on May 23 at 2 pm to share the stories behind the biodiversity photographs on display.
NEXTOPIA: A Model for Regenerative Urban Design
The “International Day for Biodiversity 2026” highlights the important role of NEXTOPIA, a prototype city of the future, as a platform for regenerative design and sustainable innovation. This venue serves as an exhibition space, a living laboratory, and a hub for local creators, global organizations, and urban communities, all collaborating to shape a future in which economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously.
The “International Day for Biodiversity 2026” is scheduled to take place at NEXTOPIA, located on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon, from May 22 to May 24, 2026. The event is open to the public free of charge and is expected to play a critical role in advancing Thailand’s biodiversity dialogue on the global stage. This event is also a key component of the Citizen of Earth project by Siam Piwat, which is consistently aligned with the company’s sustainability policy.
