BANGKOK, Thailand (Apr 2025) — In the wake of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand, leaving widespread devastation, a science-driven initiative is uniting the region to rebuild with resilience.
Spearheading the effort is Glenn Banaguas, a UN Sasakawa Laureate and a leading figure in science diplomacy. As Chairman of the US-ASEAN Science and Technology Fellows and Asian Science Diplomats, Banaguas is leading “Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN,” a fully free initiative designed to strengthen communities and infrastructure through scientific expertise and cross-border collaboration.
“This tragedy is not just Myanmar’s or Thailand’s burden—it is ours,” Banaguas said. “We breathe the same air and stand beneath the same skies. Through science, unity, and action, we can rebuild stronger and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Recognizing that disaster response requires more than relief aid, the initiative leverages science diplomacy to connect researchers, policymakers, and local leaders. By integrating data-driven risk assessments with policy development, the program provides communities with practical solutions for long-term resilience.
The initiative emphasizes sustainable recovery, combining scientific innovation with traditional knowledge to create adaptive strategies tailored to local needs. Through free access to expertise and knowledge-sharing, affected regions are not only rebuilding but also fortifying themselves against future environmental threats.
Banaguas, known as the “Father of Asian Science Diplomacy,” believes in the power of unity in crisis. “ASEAN is more than a group of nations—it is a family bound by shared challenges and a common destiny. When one suffers, we all feel it. But when we rise, we rise together.”
As Myanmar and Thailand begin their recovery, Banaguas’ leadership and the collaborative efforts of science and diplomacy offer a model for disaster resilience in the region. The mission is clear: equip communities with the tools to not just recover, but thrive in the face of future challenges.
