These two dimensions form the foundation of climate resilience and are aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action.

Building resilience, however, requires investment. Through collaboration with UNDP under the Climate Finance Network initiative, supported by the Government of the United Kingdom, Bangkok has also started integrating climate considerations into budgeting and urban planning — particularly in response to urban heat.

Where city budgets once focused primarily on infrastructure and immediate challenges, this shift reflects a broader change in how cities think about investment — not only responding to immediate problems, but also preparing for future risks.

From Policy to Practice

Over the past four years, Pornphrom has worked across a range of sustainability-related initiatives, from waste separation campaigns and PM2.5 response measures to the development of public “cooling shelters” across Bangkok.

But he says one of the most important parts of his role is helping different agencies work together to turn policy into implementation.

Pornphrom has played a key role in advancing several of Bangkok’s sustainability initiatives — from the “No Mixed Waste” campaign promoting waste separation, to efforts addressing PM2.5 air pollution, and more recently, the development of “cooling shelters” across the city, providing accessible spaces for people to escape extreme heat. At the core of his work is his role as a connector — bridging policy and implementation, and ensuring consistent standards across all areas.

“The era of passing responsibility around is over.”

Pornphrom describes his role as that of an “urban weaver” — bringing together departments, districts, and institutions that may traditionally operate separately, under a shared sustainability agenda.

He explains that his work operates across three levels.

1. Coordinating with BMA departments, each with highly specialized mandates. He gives example: 

“We work closely with the Department of Environment, the key is to explain clearly why we are proposing certain approaches — especially when they challenge traditional ways of thinking and working. And if there is disagreement, we also need to listen and find a middle ground. Over the past four years, the collaboration has been quite smooth.”

“For other departments where I may not have direct authority, we still need to bring sustainability into their work.

For example, with the Drainage and Sewerage Department, we bring in climate projections and analysis on how Bangkok may be affected in the future, so they can better plan ahead. Their work normally focuses on engineering, pipes, and drainage systems, pipes — but we also introduce ideas such as what kind of vegetation could help increase water absorption, or how to create more permeable spaces.

Our role is to bring these perspectives into the discussion, even if they are not traditionally part of how they work.”

“When it comes to air pollution, different agencies sometimes say it is someone else’s responsibility. But I think we have moved beyond that. My role is to connect the pieces — to weave them together — so that sustainability can actually happen.”

Over time, sustainability has increasingly become part of how many departments approach their work.

2. Scaling implementation across Bangkok’s 50 districts:

“You may succeed at the policy level, but the real question is whether all 50 districts understand and implement it in the same way.”

“Waste management is one example where continuous coordination and follow-up are necessary. While the policy framework may be strong, ensuring consistent implementation across all districts remains an ongoing challenge. 

“As we continue working together and supporting each other to move things forward, the number of districts falling below standard is gradually decreasing.”

3. Coordinating beyond Bangkok’s Authority:

“Take PM2.5 and black smoke emissions from buses. People often blame Bangkok, even though we do not directly control those agencies. We still take it seriously. We invite the responsible authorities to join inspections, but they may not always be able to respond quickly. Our role is to coordinate — informing them in advance, maintaining communication, and making it clear that this is something we need to act on. We stay consistent and keep pushing the issue forward.”

“Because we have been proactive on air pollution over the past two years, I think citizens are now standing with us — and that has encouraged greater collaboration from other agencies as well.” 

Pornphrom’s work is also closely connected to Bangkok’s collaboration with UNDP, particularly in the development of the Bangkok “SDG Profile” — a sustainability reporting framework that helps the city identify strengths, vulnerabilities, and long-term risks. The SDG Profile serves as a mirror for the city, helping ensure that solutions respond not only to immediate challenges, but also contribute to long-term, sustainable outcomes.

A Sustainable City Must Be Built Together

Pornphrom believes that no single institution can build a sustainable city alone. Success depends on collaboration across sectors.

One important part of his role is working with private sector actors who want to contribute to the city.

“Many people genuinely want to help Bangkok. Our role is to identify where their support can create the greatest public benefit. Through dialogue and collaboration, we can turn those ideas into something meaningful.”

Bangkok also places strong importance on partnerships with international organizations such as UNDP — from developing the city’s SDG Profile to exchanging knowledge and lessons on sustainable urban development.

“Working with UNDP allows us to learn from both the successes and challenges of cities around the world. At the same time, we also share Bangkok’s experiences with them. UNDP helps create those connections — and ultimately, we take what we learn and adapt it to our own context.”