On 8 June 2021, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), together with the Diplomatic Academy (DA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo, co-organized a virtual lecture on “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic”. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Asi Mamanee, Ambassador Attached to the Ministry and Dean of the DVIFA, and H.E. Mr. Sabri Kicmari, Director-General of Kosovo’s DA, delivered opening remarks and welcomed 35 participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, government agencies, civil societies, and private sectors of Kosovo. In the conclusion session, H.E. Mr. Kreshnik Ahmeti, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo, delivered closing remarks and thanked all sides for the successful organization of the lecture.

           The lecture comprised two main topics. The first topic was “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic”, delivered by Dr. Priyanut Dharmapiya, Executive Director, Sustainable Development Studies Center, National Institute of Development Administration, highlighting Thailand’s SEP and its application and role during the COVID-19 pandemic and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). The second topic was “Bio-Circular-Green Economy” or the BCG Model, delivered by Dr. Prinat Apirat, Director, Division of International Economic Policy, Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, promoting the Model for sustainability and growth, following the SEP concept and relating to SDGs. 

           The lecture was one of several activities, organized under the Memorandum of Understanding between the DVIFA and Kosovo’s DA, signed in 2017, to enhance knowledge and skills in diplomacy and international affairs of human resources of Thailand and Kosovo through training courses, joint seminars and lectures, and academic and research activities.