On 17 October 2025, more than 150 representatives from the public and private sector gathered at the annual IKI Cooperation Workshop to discuss how the International Climate Initiative (IKI) can further engage businesses and investors in advancing Thailand’s climate and biodiversity goals.

Private engagement as key success
The event kicked off with welcome remarks from Ebba Scholl, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and a keynote speech from Dr Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment. Both emphasized the crucial role of private sector engagement in reaching Thailand’s climate and biodiversity targets.

Ebba Scholl said: “We all know that climate and biodiversity goals cannot be achieved by governments alone. We need the support and action of local communities, scientists, youth and very importantly, the private sector.”

From left to right: Anika Seidel (German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy), Carolin Voigt (German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety), Wachirachai Koonamwattana (Siam Cement plc), Apirat Witthayanukool (Stock Exchange of Thailand) and Pimkarn Kattiyavong (GIZ Thailand)

The panel discussion with representatives from the German Federal Government, the Stock Exchange of Thailand and Siam Cement plc, highlighted both the opportunities and challenges in engaging the private sector to support Thailand’s climate and biodiversity initiatives.

During a fireside chat, Philipp Behrens, Head of the IKI, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), shared insights on the IKI’s strategic priorities and its approach to strengthening collaboration with the private sector in partner countries. Importantly, the IKI is following a multi-dimensional approach: from creating enabling frameworks for investments to directly cooperating with funding facilities.

A deep dive: policy, practice and partnerships
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of activities encouraging them to learn, reflect and connect. Different breakout sessions introduced participants to innovative financing solutions for biodiversity, ‘Thailand Taxonomy’, adaptation finance, or the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The sessions provided valuable insights to bridge the gap between policy and action.

In addition, a marketplace offered participants the opportunity to directly exchange with IKI projects and find out more about their knowledge resources and impact.

Breakout sessions

Marketplace

Building the IKI community in Thailand
One of the workshop’s key outcomes was the IKI CommuniTree. In this activity, stakeholders had the opportunity to connect, share experiences and identify areas for future collaboration in a playful and co-creative manner.

IKI CommuniTree – Synergies and Impact Stories of IKI projects in Thailand