Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia and the Pacific account for approximately 97% of all enterprises, two-thirds of employment, and around 30%–60% of gross domestic product.

Reducing the environmental impact of SMEs and going beyond environmental compliance in both manufacturing and services is therefore key in greening the region's economy.

This regional dialogue organized by EU SWITCH Asia Regional Policy Advocacy Component (RPAC), Thailand Environment Institute, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) will examine eco-design approaches as a way to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12 and mainstream sustainable consumption and production in Asia.

The forum also aims to facilitate exchange of knowledge and good practices, examine implementation challenges and benefits of adopting eco-design thinking for key sectors, and gather perspectives on enabling factors and solutions that encourage SMEs to incorporate eco-design approaches in their businesses.

Featured speakers

• Mushtaq Memon, Project Manager, EU SWITCH-Asia RPAC
• Wijarn Simachaya, President, Thai Environment Institute; Secretary-General, Thailand Business Council for Sustainable Development 
• Dieter Trau, Dean, AIT School of Engineering and Technology;
  Director, AIT Entrepreneurship Center
• Thibaut Portevin, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of European Union to ASEAN
• Lakeesha Ransom, Faculty, AIT School of Management
  Enabling Factors to Green SMEs
• Pavitra Mohanraj, Technical Expert, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry; Founder, Infinitive