Since 2020, the Sustainability Expo (SX) has grown into ASEAN's largest platform for climate action, gathering innovators, activists, and visionaries in Bangkok to push for a more sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Sufficiency for Sustainability,” set the tone for ambitious discussions and immersive experiences focused on climate-positive solutions.
Behind the scenes, the National Geographic Society tapped Love Frankie to orchestrate programming, design content, track engagement, and bring the power of Nat Geo Explorers to life. Together, we crafted a series of sessions that spotlighted storytelling’s transformative impact on sustainability awareness and action.
The journey began with the “Water of Life” exhibit, a photo series showing how humans, nature, and water are woven together through time. This wasn’t just an exhibit—it was a wake-up call to the fragility of our marine ecosystems and our role in preserving them. Visitors found themselves captivated, standing in front of images that reminded them of water’s enduring presence and its role in their lives, sparking dialogue and introspection.
At the heart of SX was “Follow the Water,” a mural like no other. We invited attendees to contribute their own experiences with water, submitting photos and videos that, together, formed a stunning, evolving Water Mural. Displayed alongside the winning photographs from Nat Geo Thailand’s "Water of Life" contest, this participatory mural became a live reflection of our connection to water. It was a moment of shared memories and emotions, bridging personal experiences with collective action. For many, it was the first time they saw how deeply water flows through all our stories.
In an intimate workshop, Nat Geo Photographer Anand Varma took participants on a journey of “Slow Looking and Impact Storytelling,” a creative deep-dive that had everyone from artists to scientists reflecting on how storytelling can reshape the way we see the world. Attendees found themselves absorbing each lesson with newfound insight, connecting with Anand's unique approach to photography and his conviction that impact begins with a single, patient look.
Finally, SX’s Nat Geo Impact Storytelling Panel, featuring Anand Varma and Youthopia founder Melati Wijsen, became the pinnacle of the event for many attendees. It was more than a talk—it was a call to action. Anand and Melati shared their personal journeys, the challenges, and triumphs of storytelling with purpose, inspiring everyone in the room to find their own voice in the movement for sustainability.