United Nations in Thailand

With 21 United Nations entities represented in Thailand, our work encompasses all of the SDGs. The United Nations Country Team supports activities with particular focus on the following goals: SDG1.3 on expanding the reach of social protection; SDG 3.4 tackling non-communicable diseases; SDG 4.1 education for all, with a focus on migrant children; SDG 5.5 advocacy for greater participation of women in political decision making; SDG 8.3 support to small to medium-sized enterprises and youth innovation; 10.2 inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTI community; SDG 10.7 migration governance; SDG 13.2 climate change strategies at national and local level; SDG 16.1 supporting social cohesion to end violence in southern Thailand; SDG 16.9 advocacy and support to end statelessness; SDG 17.7 partnerships with private sector for sustainable development; and, SDG 17.9 the sharing of Thailand’s experience and best practices through South-South exchanges.

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08 December 2021

UNESCO and ONIE support 8 pilot projects to teach living heritage and sustainable development in non-formal and informal education

UNESCO and Office of Non-formal and Informal Education (ONIE), with support from ICHCAP, have collaborated in a two-year project, ‘Promoting Sustainable Development and Safeguarding Living Heritage through Non-formal and Informal Education in Thailand’ (2021–22). The project aims to empower teachers at ONIE centres across the country in using ICH as a teaching and learning tool, developing skills in course designing for life skills and multi-literacies, and linking culture to sustainable development. In 2021, UNESCO organized a training for ONIE teachers on integrating intangible cultural heritage in non-formal and informal education, and announced the call for proposals to pilot teachers’ own designs of lesson plans or modification of existing subjects that use ICH in teaching and learning. The selected lesson plans or subjects will be piloted at the submitting ONIE centres in 2022. The pilot results will be showcased at the International Literacy Day event, which is a national-level celebration by ONIE, in 2022. The pilot activities in 2022 provide an opportunity for ONIE teachers to show their capacities in analyzing and improving ONIE’s existing subjects, and creating new subjects that better reflect diverse local perspectives toward sustainable development – environmental, social and economic – which could lead to more tangible impacts on the livelihoods of people in the present and in the future. On top of the funding support (THB 30,000 per pilot site) provided to the piloting, the juries of the project also gave special awards to congratulate different aspects of excellent course designing that answer to the spirit of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and ONIE’s mandate in sustainable development and innovative learning (THB 20,000 per award). The selected ONIE centres and their proposals are: Original article published on UNESCO Bangkok

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03 December 2021

New UNICEF report finds 240 million children with disabilities globally

Bangkok, Thailand – The number of children with disabilities globally is estimated at almost 240 million, according to a new UNICEF report that confirms that children with disabilities are disadvantaged on most aspects of child well-being compared to children without disabilities. Released in November ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, UNICEF’s most comprehensive analysis report, Seen, Counted, Included: Using data to shed light on the well-being of children with disabilities, found that 1 in 10 children around the world have a disability. The new global estimate is higher than previous estimates as it is based on a more inclusive understanding of disabilities, which considers difficulties across several domains of functioning, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. “Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups in every society and have the fewest opportunities in every aspect of life,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “Facing stigma and discrimination, they are less likely to attend school, access health services or have their voices heard. Their disabilities also put them at a higher risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. This must change because no child should be left behind.” Data on children with disabilities is often limited and underestimated. In Thailand, the National Statistical Office (NSO), with technical support from UNICEF, used the Child Functioning Module developed by the Washington Group and UNICEF for the National Disability Survey in 2017, which for the first time collected information on the characteristics of disabilities for children aged between 2 and 17. According to the 2017 survey, nearly 140,000 children in Thailand live with some form of disabilities. Most of them live in poor households. About 38 per cent are out of school; 27 per cent do not have access to health promotion services and 4 per cent do not have access to medical treatment when they are sick. In addition, nearly half of them are not registered with the government and do not receive a monthly disability grant. UNICEF’s new global report includes data from 42 countries and covers more than 60 indicators of child well-being – from nutrition and health, to access to water and sanitation, protection from violence and exploitation, and education. Compared to children without disabilities, children with disabilities are: 24 per cent less likely to receive early stimulation and responsive care; 42 per cent less likely to have foundational reading and numeracy skills; 25 per cent more likely to be wasted (too thin for their height) and 34 per cent more likely to be stunted (too short for their age); 53 per cent more likely to have symptoms of acute respiratory infection; 49 per cent more likely to have never attended school; 47 per cent more likely to be out of primary school, 33 per cent more likely to be out of lower-secondary school and 27 per cent more likely to be out of upper-secondary school; 51 per cent more likely to feel unhappy; 41 per cent more likely to feel discriminated against; 32 per cent more likely to experience severe corporal punishment. Disability experience also varies greatly, depending on the type of disability, where the child lives and what services they can access. For example, out-of-school rates are higher among children with multiple disabilities, and disparities become more significant when the severity of the disability is taken into account. This highlights the importance of designing targeted solutions to address inequities. UNICEF is calling on the government and the society at large to provide equal opportunities for children and persons with disabilities, eliminate stigma and discrimination and ensure that they have equal treatment and access to inclusive and quality health and education services as well as assistive technologies. UNICEF also urges the government and civil society to consult children and persons with disabilities andconsider their specific needs when providing health care, education, mental health and protection services. In Thailand, UNICEF is currently working with the NSO and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to promote quality data on children with disabilities and ensure that children and persons with disabilities have equal access to inclusive and quality services as well as the disability grant they are entitled to. “Every child with a disability has unique abilities just like any other child,” Kim added. “It is our duty to ensure that children with disabilities are given extra support and opportunities so that they can find their unique abilities, reach their full potential, fulfil their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the society.” Original article published on UNICEF Thailand.

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21 December 2021

นโยบายที่เป็นมิตรต่อครอบครัว: คู่มือสำหรับภาคธุรกิจ

คู่มือฉบับนี้ถูกจัดทำขึ้นเพื่อเป็นแนวทางให้กับภาคธุรกิจที่ต้องการที่จะพัฒนาองค์กรให้ได้ประโยชน์ในมิติด้านการพัฒนาประสิทธิภาพองค์กร การรักษาแรงงานที่สำคัญ กระบวนการพัฒนานโยบายความเป็นมิตรต่อครอบครัวคือการสร้างพันธสัญญาระยะยาวที่ต้องทำให้มีความหมาย รวมถึงสามารถตอบสนองต่อความต้องการของแรงงานและฝ่ายบริหาร การดำเนินงานดังกล่าว จะช่วยให้หน่วยงานของท่านสามารถเข้าใจความต้องการของผู้มีส่วนได้เสีย เพื่อแปรสภาพองค์กรให้เป็นหน่วยงานที่ให้ความสำคัญกับครอบครัวของพนักงาน เข้าใจช่องว่างและสามารถเติมเต็ม จนส่งผลให้เกิดการพัฒนาที่ต่อเนื่องตามความต้องการที่ผันเปลี่ยนไป

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21 January 2022

UNHCR encourages adoption of measures to improve wellbeing and safety of newly arrived Myanmar refugees in Thailand

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today expressed its continued encouragement and support for the adoption of measures to improve the wellbeing and safety of Myanmar refugees who have been arriving in Thailand since mid-December. According to official sources, over 9,500 civilians had been forced to flee their homes in Kayin and Kayah states in southeast Myanmar, seeking shelter and protection in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces in Thailand. While the majority have returned to Myanmar, UNHCR understands from the Thai authorities that approximately 1,000 refugees remain in Mae Sot, the vast majority of whom are staying in a site in Mae Kone Kane. While recognizing the assistance provided thus far by the Government with the support of local communities, this may not be sustainable nor sufficient for individuals with vulnerabilities and specific healthcare needs. The situation remains extremely uncertain and volatile in Myanmar. Given the pressing humanitarian needs of the refugees and the continued fighting on the Myanmar side of the border, UNHCR calls on the Royal Thai Government to transfer the group of refugees being sheltered in the ‘temporary safety area’ in Mae Sot, Tak Province, to another location where they can access safer and more dignified temporary accommodation, and receive improved humanitarian assistance. UNHCR reiterates its readiness to assist the Thai authorities in responding to the humanitarian needs of the new arrivals. To that effect, UNHCR and humanitarian partners continue to request access to the refugee population. UNHCR also reiterates its call that, in accordance with international law, all those seeking international protection and fleeing conflict, generalized violence or persecution be allowed to cross borders in search of safety, and that they are not forcibly sent back to a place where their lives and freedom could be in danger. Original article published on UNHCR Asia Pacific.

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24 January 2022

IOM Supports Royal Thai Marine Police Training in Counter Trafficking and Border Management

Bangkok – International Organization for Migration (IOM) completed the fourth and final iteration of its “Trainings on Interception of Smuggling Networks via Maritime Borders” with Thai Marine Police in Hat Yai, Songkhla province. This training concentrated on identifying and investigating migrant smuggling and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) cases with a focus on victim care. Effective border management and tackling transnational crime, including trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, are priority areas for Thailand, which shares land borders with Malaysia, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar. IOM has worked closely with Thai Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police Bureau and Royal Police Cadet Academy since 2012. Under Phase IV of the IOM project “Strengthening Border Management and Intelligence Capacity of Thai Government Officials” funded by the Canadian government, IOM expanded its cadre of training partners to include the Marine Police. The training activities under Phase IV of the IOM project aim to strengthen the capacity of Marine Police officials in intercepting trafficking and smuggling networks at Thailand’s maritime borders. Four 3-day trainings were organized in Sriracha province, Phuket province, Nongkhai province and Songkhla province training 100 Marine Police officials that patrol the waterways in these provinces. “This training helped me gain knowledge of the differences between human trafficking and migrant smuggling. I was also able to increase my skills in operations, investigation, intelligence gathering, vessel inspection, and cooperating with relevant agencies,” said Pol. Sen. Sgt. Maj. Teera Bunrod from the Songkhla Batch. The trainings were designed to help Marine Police officers intercept and investigate cases of human smuggling, trafficking and other transnational crimes. The courses covered key areas such as the role of intelligence in Marine Police investigations, sources of information/informants, inter-agency/international cooperation, and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) victim identification and assistance. The participants also achieved the ability to clearly define both victims and perpetrators in TIP and SOM cases. “I can apply what I have learned in this training to my practical work,” added Pol. Sen. Sgt. Maj. Sangsuree Punsiew from the Nong Khai Batch. Since August 2016, over 600 officers and 50 trainers from the Royal Thai Police, its constituent bodies, and other government agencies have been trained under this IOM project “Strengthening Border Management and Intelligence Capacity of Thai Government Officials” funded by the Canadian government project. Original article published on IOM Thailand.

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21 January 2022

Op-Ed: The silent killers that threaten Thailand’s future

Exacerbating the crisis, Thailand is also still facing another epidemic that kills over 1,000 people every day: noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The main NCDs—cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases—kill some 400,000 people in Thailand every year. About half of these deaths are premature (occurring at the ages of 30-70). The good news is that most of these premature deaths are preventable. NCDs place an enormous burden on the Thai economy and society. Ever-present and far deadlier than Covid-19, they have not been given attention commensurate with their devastating impact. Thailand’s response to Covid-19 has shown how prioritising a major public health crisis can save lives. The government created new institutional mechanisms to coordinate the Covid-19 response at the highest level, empowered policymakers, and made money available. But what about the NCDs that account for three out of four deaths, year after year? NCDs are associated with increased globalisation and consumerism, aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco products, a lack of physical activity, air pollution, and ageing societies. Thailand is more vulnerable than its neighbours. It has the highest level of alcohol use in the WHO South-East Asia region (twice the regional average). Salt and sugar intake are two and four times, respectively, the WHO-recommended amount. Smoking remains the leading cause of disease and death. Nine out of ten youths are not getting enough exercise (at least 150-300 minutes per week). The prevalence of obesity is the second highest in Asia—some 42 per cent of Thais are overweight. These behavioural and metabolic risks have been further accentuated due to increased consumption of fast food, physical inactivity and disruption to health promotion services during the Covid-19 epidemic. Thailand’s “super-ageing” society will push up further the prevalence of NCDs. By 2040, one in four Thais will be over 65 (compared with one in eight presently). Reducing the burden of NCDs is vital to people's health and Thailand’s future. The annual economic losses from NCDs are estimated to be THB1.6 trillion (US$473 billion), or 9.7 per cent of GDP. The rising cost of treating NCDs threatens the sustainability of Thailand's highly successful Universal Health Coverage System (NCDs already gobble up half of its budget). NCDs also place a major burden on the business sector. Every day, some 74,000 Thais are absent from work because of an NCD. Lastly, NCDs make people vulnerable: nearly 90 per cent of people who have died of Covid-19 in Thailand were elderly or had an underlying chronic disease, often an NCD. The government has taken various measures to tackle the unfolding NCD epidemic. It has launched national plans for the prevention and control of NCDs (2017-2021) and the promotion of physical activity (2018–2030). The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), funded by a 2 per cent surcharge on alcohol and tobacco excise taxes since 2001, plays a central role in health promotion. Cigarette packs are sold in plain packaging and carry large graphic health warnings. In 2017, the government introduced a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages; a tax on salt is in the works. But much more needs to be done if Thailand is to reduce by one-third premature deaths from NCDs by 2030—one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To support further NCD action in Thailand, the United Nations in Thailand in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health recently conducted an economic analysis of the cost of NCDs and the return on NCD investment. The results show that a targeted investment of THB211 billion (US$6.2 billion) in the areas of salt reduction, tobacco and alcohol control and physical activity would save 310,000 lives and generate economic benefits worth THB430 billion over fifteen years. In short, the case for investing in NCD prevention and treatment is overwhelming. While most NCDs are related to unhealthy behaviours—tobacco and alcohol use, too much salt, sugar, and fats, and too little physical activity—these are deeply shaped by underlying commercial and social determinants. Behaviour change therefore requires an enabling environment that makes adopting a healthy lifestyle an easy choice. A mix of better enforcement of existing laws, policies to promote exercise and nutritious food, and measures that put public health above commercial interests are needed. Fiscal and regulatory measures aimed at reducing tobacco and alcohol use and salt and sugar intake will remain instrumental tools. Equally vital are improvements in early detection and interventions against NCDs at the primary health care level. Going forward, the private sector will have to play a bigger role in combatting NCDs and shaping healthier lifestyles. The illnesses rooted in underlying social and commercial factors and rapidly changing lifestyles will not go away. But change is possible. Countries like Finland, where policies for health promotion and early detection and treatment of NCDs have led to a significant drop in mortality, have shown the way. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that minimizing a major public health threat requires individual action, a coordinated response from all sectors of government and society, and decisive political leadership. If Thailand was able to rapidly respond to and control the Covid-19 epidemic, it surely can do the same with a threat that causes more deaths and damage to the economy. Original article published on THE NATION Thailand, "The silent killers that threaten Thailand’s future", 18th January by Dr Jos Vandelaer, WHO Representative and Mr Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative, UNDP Thailand.

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18 January 2022

Myanmar migrant workers count on vaccination to get back to work

Mae Sot is a Thai town close to the Myanmar border. The border reopened in August 2021, allowing Burmese migrant workers in Thailand to return home. This special economic zone has been home to Myanmar people of all ages – from newly born children to grandparents. As Thailand began opening its borders, welcoming back thousands of Myanmar people who work in Thailand’s factories, farms and homes, WHO Thailand joined the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health, to find out if these returning migrants were educated about protective measures from COVID-19, and what more could be done to ensure infections are minimised. In November, DDC carried out a survey among the Myanmar migrant workers in this area to identify their knowledge, attitude, risk perception and health behavioral practices regarding COVID-19, and find out if they’d received any COVID-19 vaccine. The survey was carried out to inform the Thai government of any specific prevention and control measures required for these people, and to determine if a COVID-19 vaccination program needed to be established for Myanmar migrant workers. The activity is part of a project titled ‘Enhancing Risk Communication and Community Engagement Among Thai and Non-Thai People on COVID-19 Vaccine Communication’ technically supported by WHO and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The survey reached out to 500 people from a variety of groups, including migrants with one-day passes working at Mae Sot border checkpoints, local communities, and Myanmar workers in Thailand from agriculture and manufacturing sectors. During the two-day visit, over 3,000 migrant workers were also vaccinated by Thailand’s Mae Sot district health office, with the support of local healthcare professionals and volunteer organisations. "The Ministry of Public Health realised how important it is to take care of the health of migrant workers in Thailand. Results from the survey will be used to inform policy recommendations on COVID-19 prevention and response for these migrant populations," said Dr Pahurat Khongmuang Taisuwan, the project manager and the Director of the Secretariat Office of the Royal Development Projects Committee, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. Just 19 years old, Aung Kyaw Phyo took responsibility for sharing COVID-19 news among his community. A former Myanmar language teacher to kids in the migrant community, he learned about the virus from online media and shared news and personal prevention measures with his students and the community while also giving away masks to those in need. He used his knowledge to make sure his family got vaccinated to protect them from COVID-19. Ma Po has lived most of her life in Thailand – 20 years in total. Now 30 years old with two young sons, she is currently looking for work after losing her job due to the pandemic. She has built a good reputation over the years as a caretaker for bedridden patients, but for now, she has to wait. Ma Po hopes the situation will improve soon so that she can return to work. Even when people have been vaccinated it doesn’t mean they aren’t taking precautions. Every day, Sang Fang Win wears her mask, cleans her hands, and maintains a safe distance from customers when she’s selling fruit, even though she’s been fully vaccinated. She’s been in Thailand for 14 years but only moved to Mae Sot from Bangkok when COVID-19 infections rose sharply. Many Myanmar migrant workers have spent years in Thailand but Seya has been in the country for just seven months. During this time, she got infected with COVID-19. She’s been lucky, as her employer allowed her to take one-month paid sick leave while she isolated herself at home with her housemate. 19-year-old assistant car mechanic Min works in the Mae Sot Free Zone. He takes health precautions seriously and wears a mask and cleans his hands more regularly than usual to prevent himself from contracting COVID-19. Lumma is a driver who regularly crosses the border, but COVID-19 stopped him in his tracks when borders closed and there was less need from him to drive. With a precarious job, Lumma, 26, is unvaccinated, but he was able to book an appointment for him and his family. Once vaccinated, he hopes to schedule more trips so he can support his family. 46-year-old A Ma Win lives in Myanmar and has been working at the border for more than ten years. He transports oxygen tanks back and forth and has managed to avoid catching COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and still wears a mask and washes his hands often to prevent COVID-19 infection. Zaw (man in orange jacket), 51, is looking for a place to be vaccinated. He also left Bangkok with his family of five when COVID-19 outbreaks peaked there. Now he earns a daily wage working on a farm in Mae Sot. In Bangkok he was employed as a pickup driver. Kriengsak Armeen and his wife Wahe Dao restarted their street food business five days ago after a long break triggered by the pandemic. Every day, he encourages others to get the vaccine to protect themselves and the community, while still trying to secure a vaccination appointment in Mae Sot for himself. The border closure meant he was unable to work for almost a year, a difficult situation for a dad of three like him. His wife, Wahe Dao, has been infected with COVID-19 and suffered mild symptoms. Now she’s waiting for her second jab. Kriengsak thinks that vaccination can protect him and his family, and will help him to fully resume a working life. Ko shows his bi-lingual vaccination record card. He has lived in Thailand for more than 20 years, running his own vegetable export business by transporting produce to Myanmar. Orders dropped and transportation time increased, having a huge effect on his business. During the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, he stayed at home with his family to prevent them from being infected, taking ATK tests every 15 days. Now that all of his family have been vaccinated in Thailand, he’s keen for everyone to get access to vaccines to protect the community. Bew, 45, came with a maize farm owner to get vaccinated at the vaccination site organised by Mae Sot district health office. She’s pleased to have been vaccinated. See the photo album here. Original article published on WHO Thailand.

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15 January 2022

Thailand, UN strengthen cooperation towards sustainable development

Bangkok, Thailand - On 11 January, H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Gita Sabharwal, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, along with 21 members of the United Nations Country Team in Thailand, signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Thailand. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Wanchat Suwankitti, Deputy-Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, as well as the executives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. Based on the people-centred Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and the country’s endeavour towards an inclusive, green, sustainable and low-carbon economy and society through the Bio - Circular - Green (BCG) Economy Model, the UNSDCF had been developed in close consultations among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the United Nations Country Team, related Thai agencies and various stakeholders to ensure its alignment with Thailand’s development priorities. The Framework will help support Thailand’s efforts in achieving the milestones of the draft 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan, and in strengthening the country’s preparedness to address present and emerging challenges.

The Cooperation Framework provides an opportunity for Thailand and the UN to reinforce their close and longstanding partnership as Thailand celebrates the 75th anniversary of its membership in the UN this year. Thailand is determined to play an active and constructive role as Vice President of the ECOSOC from July 2021 - July 2022, and as Chair of the ECOSOC’s Coordination Segment for 2022.

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Press Release

10 December 2021

FAO in Asia-Pacific calls for improvements to early warning systems as concerns grow over evolving avian influenza and potential threat to humans

Bangkok – Cases of avian influenza are rising globally, with 272 additional events of outbreaks in birds recorded worldwide by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in little more than a month. The FAO data records the increase since 27 October 2021. Increased avian influenza activity has been seen in the Asia-Pacific region, but also in Africa and Europe during the past year and it is suspected that wild birds may play a role in spreading the virus globally. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza A(H5N6) has caused 52 human infections in the Asia-Pacific region since 2014, half of which have occurred in 2021, and mostly in people with close contact with poultry prior to infection. “Avian influenza viruses are constantly evolving, and we must be vigilant to detact new subtypes of the virus that could devastate poultry production systems in the region or infect humans, which can lead to a pandemic,” said FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Regional Manager Kachen Wongsathapornchai. “There is an urgent need to better share information on what strains of influenza circulate in Asia and ensure countries take the necessary steps to protect the public health and the livelihoods of their communities.” he added. In response to this situation, FAO ECTAD has been consulting with more than 40 experts on avian influenza viruses to discuss what can be done to improve avian influenza surveillance and early warning systems in the Asia-Pacific region. The ideal early warning system: better data drive smarter decisions During the consultations, FAO and various experts emphasized the importance of information sharing to improve early warning, prevent the virus’ spread and minimize the global impacts of avian influenza. “Better data would have helped countries and the international community determine preparedness and response more quickly and confidently,” said Filip Claes, FAO ECTAD Regional Laboratory Coordinator. In particular, FAO and experts encourage countries to: Rapidly share surveillance results and sequence information with the international community and neighboring countries to improve early warning and better prepare for virus incursions. Conduct targeted surveillance to detect the disease risk in migratory birds and poultry value chains. Enhance public trust in science and build strong multilateral collaboration in diverse areas, involving public and private sectors, research institutions, communities, and others. Build integration between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors during surveillance activities through the One Health approach. The way forward – a call for collective action The current ongoing and evolving avian influenza situation is an opportunity to recognize and address the national and global efforts to tackle the virus. FAO and experts are calling for collective action to share relevant avian influenza information with the international and scientific communities, and create a true international early warning network that can benefit countries’ preparedness efforts. FAO provides early warning information on zoonotic and animal disease outbreaks, such as H5Nx avian influenza. Member countries can share their disease information on the EMPRES-i platform, and avian influenza sequences with the OIE/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU). For media inquiries please contact Allan Dow at allan.dow[a]fao.org and Rindu Putri at rindu.putri[a]fao.org

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Press Release

06 December 2021

UNOPS Lives in Dignity call for proposals opens with EUR 12 million available for displacement aid projects in Southeast Asia

Geneva, Switzerland - Following the launch of the Lives in Dignity Grant Facility and the first call for proposals in June 2021, the European Union (EU) has allocated €12m for a second call for proposals to support local, innovative and development-oriented projects working to assist displacement-affected communities in three additional acute displacement crises. Forced displacement remains one of the world’s greatest sources of human suffering – according to UNHCR’s Mid-Year Trends Report 2021, global displacement looks set to exceed 84 million by mid-2021, an increase from 82.4 million reported at the end of 2020, with 85 per cent of those displaced hosted in developing countries. The impact of climate change is likely to accelerate the scale of this crisis. Following the launch of the first call for proposals in June 2021, projects have been selected in central America, the Sahel and countries affected by the Afghanistan crisis. The projects span local initiatives run by local NGOs to government-led programmes and national and international partnerships. They range from building climate-sensitive infrastructure for displaced communities at risk of extreme weather, supporting and growing livelihood opportunities among displaced and host communities, developing water, sanitation and health systems in areas of inadequate service provision, to relocation programmes in areas at severe risk of disaster. Each project will be formally announced in the coming weeks on the Lives in Dignity Grant Facility web pages. The second call for proposals will focus on projects in countries that have been impacted by the displacement crises in the Horn of Africa, and related to Myanmar and Venezuela. In alignment with the first call, proposals are expected to draw upon and develop new forms of collaboration between humanitarian, development and peace actors, with an emphasis on the engagement of affected populations and local leadership. Potential partners are asked to submit a concept note for the project they wish to have funded by the 23 January 2022 deadline – expanded proposals will then be requested from those who are shortlisted. European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “The first call for proposals from the Lives in Dignity Grant Facility has demonstrated the value of a more local approach to forced displacement. Each selected project offers new and innovative ways to support communities’ resilience and empower their members through livelihoods and basic services. The second call for proposals focuses on some of the world’s most challenging displacement crises. It is our hope that this call too will spur approaches and solutions that make a concrete difference in the lives of displaced people and their hosts.” The Call for Proposals The second Call for Proposals focuses on the following countries: South and Southeast Asia: countries affected by both the Myanmar forced displacement situation and disaster/climate-related displacement: (Bangladesh, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand). Horn of Africa: Countries highly relevant to the Sudan–South Sudan situation (South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda). Americas: Countries highly affected by the Venezuela displacement situation (Aruba and Curacao, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Peru). The deadline for submission of a concept note is Sunday 23 January 2022. Find out more about the Lives in Dignity Grant Facility and download the call for proposals. About DG INTPA, European Commission: The Directorate-General for International Partnerships is responsible for formulating the EU’s international partnership and development policy, with the ultimate goal to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable development, and promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world. Read more: https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/international-partnerships_en About UNOPS: UNOPS’ mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to provide peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions. Read more: www.unops.org

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Press Release

01 November 2021

Southeast Asian Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) to focus on the Region’s pathways to a low carbon future at COP26

ETP will bring light to the issues faced in energy transition in SEA to the discussions at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), as it continues to mobilize and coordinate the necessary technical and financial resources to create an enabling environment for renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure in the region. In the first event, held jointly with the OECD today, the partnership will bring together experts from governments, intergovernmental organisations and the private sector to explore opportunities for further leveraging limited domestic and international public funds to mobilise clean energy finance and investment; discuss country progress and consider opportunities to enhance collaboration that catalyses greater investments in emerging economies and highlight international experience and recent developments in supporting clean energy development and mobilising capital for the private sector. The event will advocate for more targeted application of public funding as well as international climate and development finance to increase the pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in emerging economies. The role of international support and collaboration can help to redouble investor opportunities, de-risk projects and leverage the large amount of private capital needed to achieve clean energy and climate ambitions in emerging economies. The second event on Thursday will deliver a panel dialogue and discussion session by bringing together governments and international donor community on the challenges and opportunities to a low carbon energy system in the region; and the key role of international support to help the region achieve the ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions targets. The session will specifically explore the key role of international support in (1) supporting an improved delivery environment to accelerate the energy transition in Southeast Asia, (2) improving coordination between other relevant initiatives in the region, including capital investments and technical assistance, and (3) where possible and appropriate, to promote communication and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the region on energy transition. Moreover, it will explore the role of regional development partners aiming to bring leadership in the region together to accelerate the energy transition and tackle the barriers to the clean energy transition in Southeast Asia. The events will emphasize the role of development partners in unlocking the most imminent energy transition needs to achieve the ambitious climate commitment goals. As with the broader work of ETP, the discussions will facilitate donor efforts to support countries in Southeast Asia transition towards an energy system that simultaneously ensures environmental sustainability, economic growth and energy security. Speaking ahead of the events, Director for SEA ETP, Sirpa Jarvenpaa said: “The ETP events at COP26 reflect our broader work, of bringing the right technical and financial resources together to create an enabling environment for renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure in the region.” “Meeting clean energy and climate ambitions in emerging economies will require a massive increase in investments, channelling commercial capital to clean energy projects and attracting overseas investors. We are glad to be a part of these discussions, facilitating donors to support countries to unlock the most imminent energy transition needs across the region and achieve ambitious climate commitment goals.” Notes to the editors: Speakers at the first event include: Airlangga Hartarto, Minister, Co-ordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Indonesia, National actions to unlock finance for climate action Ajay Mathur, Director General, International Solar Alliance, Enabling finance and investment in solar energy in emerging economies Shintya Roesli, Finance and Risk Management Director, PLN Norbert Gorißen, Deputy Director General Federal Ministry for the Environment Nature Conservation Building and Nuclear Safety (BMU), “The climate finance from bilateral and international donors to accelerate low carbon economy” Mason Wallick, Director, Southeast Asian Clean Energy Facility, “Private sector fundings and BF instruments to support public fundings in the energy transition (Indonesia story)” Michael Hugman, Director Climate Finance of Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), “Role of philanthropy in energy transition in Southeast Asia” Speakers at the second event include: Ms. Manelle Ait Sahlia, Deputy Head of Energy Department and the Chair of Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), AFD DG Dadan Kusdiana, Director General, New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia USEC William Felix Fuentabella, Undersecretary, Planning, Renewable Energy, Power, Investment, Media Affairs, Department of Energy, the Philippines Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister HE, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam Edwin Syahruzad, President Director of PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) Lloyd Bautista, Academic Researcher and Lecturer, Ateneo School of Governance Nhien Ngo, Executive Director of Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition Simon Rolland, Energy Programme Director, GIZ Liz Mckeon, Head of Portfolio, Climate Action, IKEA Foundation Sirpa Jarvenpaa, Fund Director, Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership Live streams of the events can be found here: Event 1: Live streamed through this link Event 2: live streamed through this link Press contact details: For media inquiries, and to arrange interviews with authors please contact:
Yuchong Nam, Energy Transition Partnership - yuchongn [@] unops.org About Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership: The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership is a five-year, multi-donor partnership formed by governmental and philanthropic partners to accelerate sustainable energy transition in Southeast Asia in line with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. We combine the best of the public and private sector with the UN to help mobilize and coordinate technical and financial resources to build the foundations for renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable resilient infrastructures. With an initial focus on Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, ETP helps countries to transition towards an energy system that simultaneously ensures environmental sustainability, economic growth and energy security. UNOPS is the fund manager and host of ETP Secretariat. Read more about ETP here and about UNOPS here.

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Press Release

09 November 2021

COVID-19 vaccination of vulnerable displaced persons begins in Thailand

On 25 and 26 October, 1,295 displaced persons in Ban Tham Hin Temporary Shelter in Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi, received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, thanks to the effort of Thai Red Cross and its network partners. Administration of second dose is scheduled for November 2021. The pilot vaccination in Tham Hin camp by the Thai Red Cross is a vivid testimony of Thailand’s firm commitment to the principle of inclusivity without leaving anyone behind”, stated Giuseppe de Vincentiis, UNHCR representative while welcoming the commencement vaccination of vulnerable displaced persons in Thailand. The vaccination rollout was marked with launching event, presided by Dr. Apichart Chinwanno, Assistant Secretary General for Externals Relations of Thai Red Cross Society with participation of the governor of Ratchaburi, Mr. Ronnapop Luengpairote; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, representatives from UNHCR, Thai Red Cross Society (TRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The Tham Hin campaign targets priority populations: individuals with chronic illness, with disabilities, elderly, and women with more than 12 weeks of pregnancy. Volunteers and health professionals jointly conduct vaccination. Htoo Htoo, an IRC volunteer, shared how thrilled he is to be part of this activity made possible thanks to close cooperation between TRC, Ministry of Interior, Ratchaburi province, Suan Pheung Hospital, IRC, and UNHCR. “I am also going to get vaccinated, and I am a bit nervous too”, said Htoo Htoo. “Still, I am hopeful vaccination will alleviate the challenges brought by COVID-19 for residents of temporary shelter”. Although COVID-19 impacts everyone, refugees and asylum-seekers can be particularly vulnerable due to challenges they may face in meeting basic needs, accessing information about COVID-19 and obtaining hygiene items or medical support. This pilot vaccination programme by the Thai Red Cross further builds on previous pilot projects launched by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA). During September-August, the CRA implemented a pilot vaccination programme which has benefitted 374 urban refugees. CRA has also allocated 20,000 doses for up to 10,000 refugees with already over 4,000 refugees having received first dose of vaccine in Mae La temporary shelter. UNHCR appreciates the generosity of Thailand in helping the most vulnerable have access to vaccines and continues to endeavour to engage all displaced communities in awareness-raising efforts to the furthest extent possible by integrating COVID-19 risk communication messages into its ongoing outreach activities, ensuring that materials and messages are shared in a culturally appropriate manner way and in relevant languages. Original press release published on UNHCR Thailand.

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Press Release

21 October 2021

UN supports ban of ‘e-cigarettes’ in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand - The United Nations expresses full support for Thailand’s ban of electronic cigarettes, known as e-cigarettes, and urges the Government to take strong measures, as appropriate to the national context, to protect the people in Thailand, especially youth from the harms of tobacco use. “Evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are harmful to health and are not safe. E-cigarettes put young people at risk of lifelong nicotine addiction and can turn current users into dual users,” according to a letter issued today addressed to H.E. General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand. The use of tobacco products kills approximately 70,000 people in Thailand every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported, costing the economy an estimated 93 billion Thai baht or 0.65 per cent of the GDP. Renaud Meyer, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim to Thailand, said: “E-cigarettes pose a threat to Thailand’s tobacco control efforts and can reverse gains made over many decades. Especially worrying is the increasing use of e-cigarettes among adolescents aged 13-15 in recent years from 3.3 per cent in 2015 to 8.1 per cent in 2021.” Dr. Renu Garg, WHO representative ad interim to Thailand, commended recent efforts in tobacco control but also emphasized: “It is recommended to further enact comprehensive evidence-based tobacco control measures to reduce nicotine addiction and tobacco use, to fulfill Thailand’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.” Responding to unproven health claims about e-cigarettes, she added: “WHO has never stated that e-cigarettes are 95 per cent less harmful to health than conventional cigarettes.” An earlier statement by WHO has confirmed the need to promote smoking cessation, citing tried and tested interventions, including brief advice from health professionals, quit lines, mobile text messaging, nicotine replacement therapies and non-nicotine pharmacotherapies. For more information and media requests, please contact: Amy Thaweeporn KUMMETHA (kummethat@who.int)

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