Excellency Mr. Deputy Prime Minister, Honorable Mr. Ambassador, White House Senior Advisor on Environment, Mr. President, Distinguished Guests, and Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am delighted and gratified to be able to welcome so many distinguished persons to the launch of the Greening of Industry Network-Asia here at Chulalongkorn University.

It was over a year ago that I became engaged with the Greening of Industry Network--both its staff and membership. And, frankly, it has been a whirlwind ever since. The "clean revolution" advocated by the Network is being generated here on this campus, in this country, and throughout the region. Just look around you. Look at the diversity of the turn-out--by country, by sector, by discipline, and by organization.

Of course, the region has been swept by another (cataclysmic) event--the financial crisis. I believe the events we have planned over the next few years will be enormously helpful as we look ahead together.

What is it about the Greening of Industry Network that made us want to engage here at Chulalongkorn University and to engage all of you with us?

Let me cite just a few of the factors that were important to us:

First, the importance of the issue the Network is focused on: the destructive link between economic growth and the environment.

Second, the prescient vision the Network has for engaging on that issue: focusing on transforming strategies for our economies at large.

Third, the engagement of all possible actors and stakeholders from a wide range of countries, regimes sectors, disciplines and organizations.

Fourth, the Network�s willingness and eagerness to address sustainable development. The belief that we can change the course of our development history has been the hallmark of Asian progress, and I am convinced that we can rise to the challenge, and be leaders in the sustainability movement.

Fifth, the energy, ambition and vision of the members of the Network. Indeed, it is almost impossible to be unaffected by their enthusiasm and optimism--something we need so much at this time in Asia.

Over the next three days, you will have the opportunity to share in the same experience that I have had. I am certain that you will become a convert to the idea of a "clean revolution" in Asia. You will also meet representatives of supporting organizations.

I would at this point like to acknowledge the professional and financial support from the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership. We are delighted to be their partner.

And similarly, the support we have received from the Asian Productivity Organization, Asian Development Bank, and United Nations Environmental Programme has been very important.

But, in the end, what we are after is not so much support of a partnership. I hope that each of you will leave this Policy Forum committed to the idea of sustainability and change and that each of you will have found the basis for continuing professional and organizational partnership.