On 14 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered opening remarks at the affiliated program “Food Systems Transformation and Economic Growth – Powering Economic and Social Development through the Energy Transition” at the margins of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 at the InterContinental Bangkok.

In his remarks, the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the nexus between water, food, and energy systems, as well as the role of the energy transition in driving food security and economic growth. Key priority actions were highlighted, namely harnessing technology and innovation to transform energy and food production, in which Thailand has adopted the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, low-carbon rice production, and the conversion of agricultural residues into biofuels, while promoting soil health and World Soil Day, with the aim of becoming a regional hub for high-quality food and alternative energy.

Furthermore, the Advisor emphasised investing in people, innovation, and skills to build food systems that are more productive, sustainable, and inclusive, as well as mobilising finance and strengthening international cooperation in partnership with multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and the United Nations. Concrete cooperation on energy and food in ASEAN and the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity initiative of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) were cited as cases in point.

The official affiliated program of the IMF-WBG Annual Meetings 2026 was co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in collaboration with ESCAP, FAO and Indonesia, to discuss how the energy transition can enhance the resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability of agrifood systems in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as promote a just and equitable energy transition.