Mahalo! The Bangkok Chapter has generously donated to the EWC/EWCA’s 60th anniversary conference. Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot presented the donation to EWCA president Amanda Ellis and alumni coordinator Noreen Tanouye.

Highlights
Led by Bangkok Chapter leader, Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot, 38 Thammasat University sustainability leaders spent August 8-9 on a “learning journey” in Hawaii, coordinated by EWCA president Amanda Ellis and alumni coordinator Noreen Tanouye. After a tour of the East-West Center (EWC) grounds and a visit to the Royal Sala Thai pavilion, the group was updated on current sustainability programs at the East-West Center.

2019 Changing Faces alumna ‘Tippi’ Cogen shared strategies for organizing volunteers to serve on sustainability projects locally and globally. ASU Global Institute of Sustainability provided a session on the circular economy and EWCA President Ellis shared the inside story on the UN Sustainable Development Goals from her time as Ambassador to the United Nations. Admiral Paul Zukunft (Ret. 2018), 25th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, shared perspectives on environmental security and local celebrity chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi served up delicious local Hawaiian cuisine.

Standing (L-R): EWC senior fellow Andrew Mason, EWCA president Amanda Ellis, Bangkok Chapter leader Naris Chaiyasoot, Executive Director of Institute of Thammasat Leadership Montree Tirakothai. Seated (L-R): Admiral Paul Zukunft (Ret.), EWC Board of Governors chair Richard Turbin

Day 2
Site visits were the order of the second day, with a guided visit and viewing of murals by EWC alumna and Hawaiian master artist Meleanna Meyer at the Bishop museum, followed by insights from sustainability leaders Hawaii Green Growth (Hawaii is the first UN Local 2030 Hub for islands globally), Blue Planet Foundation, Impact Hub, Elemental Excelerator, and Hawaiian Electric.

Love those T shirts especially made for the occasion!

The highlight was presentation of sustainability leadership certificates in the State Senate chamber by Senate majority leader and EWC alumnus Kalani English.