Walailak University Earns Two Prestigious Global Awards: 3G Award 2024 for Excellence in Social Responsibility and Green Campus Initiatives

Walailak University has been honored with two prestigious global awards at the 2024 Global Good Governance (3G) Awards. The awards include the 3G Award for Advocacy of Social Responsibility in Higher Education, presented to Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President of Walailak University, in recognition of his leadership in driving the university’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the university received the 3G Excellence Award for Green Campus 2024, highlighting its achievements as a leading green university. The award was accepted by Assistant Professor Dr. Amornsak Sawaengdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services at Walailak University.

The 3G Awards are organized by Cambridge International Financial Advisory, a UK-based financial consulting firm with a global network of collaborators. The awards aim to recognize individuals and organizations that prioritize and implement sustainable development practices in alignment with the UN-SDGs. This year’s ceremony, the 9th Global Good Governance Awards 2024, took place in Manila, Philippines, on April 29, 2024.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Acting President, stated that Walailak University is a leading research university in Thailand, dedicated to applying knowledge and innovations from research to support community and societal development in line with the SDGs. The university also focuses on green campus policies and development, making its campus a national model for sustainability. These efforts are driven collaboratively by all university departments, with the Center for Academic Services playing a central role in integrating sustainable development efforts.

“In 2024, for the first time, Walailak University was nominated for the 3G Awards, with the selection committee consisting of representatives from government agencies, academia, and the corporate sector. The awards were based on public documentation and additional evidence submitted by the university, demonstrating its commitment to the SDGs and green campus initiatives,” said Professor Dr. Sombat.

Assistant Professor Dr. Amornsak Sawaengdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services, commented, “This award is further evidence of the university’s commitment to sustainable development under the leadership of President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong. We at Walailak University are proud that our academic services have been recognized for meeting international standards. We remain dedicated to being a leading research university in Thailand, aiming to positively impact society through research, innovation, and collaboration with all stakeholders.”

Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, Walailak University has made significant strides in education, research, and academic services. In 2023, the university was ranked 400-600 globally in the THE Impact Rankings, with four key SDGs—SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG14 (Life Below Water)—ranked in the top 1-100 worldwide. The university continues to elevate its SDG-related initiatives through various outstanding projects and activities, such as the Blue Swimming Crab Restocking Project in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces, which has increased natural crab populations and boosted community incomes, as well as water management, alternative energy usage, and marine ecosystem restoration efforts.

Walailak University places great emphasis on sustainable development. In 2023, the UI GreenMetric World Rankings placed the university 83rd globally for green campuses, 6th in Thailand, and 1st in Southern Thailand. The university’s large botanical garden aims to preserve biodiversity and serves as a learning space for students and a recreational area for the community. The university also runs a plastic reduction program led by students and staff, promoting environmental responsibility. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates SDGs into general education and connects sustainable development with all academic disciplines.