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Speech
13 October 2024
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction â UN Secretary-General's Message (13 October 2024)
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Story
09 October 2024
A milestone year for the Thai SDG micro-primer: Empowering youth for sustainable action
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Press Release
08 October 2024
UNICEF and UNHCR urge urgent action to end childhood statelessness
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand
The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Thailand is dedicated to advancing all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while emphasizing the importance of SDG localization, which brings the global agenda to the local level for effective impact. Amongst others, some highlights of our efforts encompass promoting integrated social protection for all (SDG 1.3), combatting non-communicable diseases (SDG 3.4), ensuring inclusive education, including migrant children (SDG 4.1), and advocating for women's participation in politics (SDG 5.5). We empower small to medium-sized enterprises and youth innovation, with a focus on business and human rights as well as digital transformation (SDG 8.3). Inclusive growth extends to marginalized groups, including the LGBTI community (SDG 10.2), while migration governance promotes safe, regular, and orderly migration (SDG 10.7). Our endeavors encompass implementing climate change strategies (SDG 13.2), solid waste management (SDG 11.6), and greening industry through promoting low carbon transition and finance among SMEs (SDG 7.2). Additionally, we strongly advocate for ensuring access to rights through inclusive citizenship (SDG 16.9), and share Thailand's experiences and best practices (SDG 17.9) through South-South and Triangular Cooperation. Through these collaborative efforts, we embark on a transformative journey to create a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Thailand.
Take Action
31 July 2024
Act Now for Our Common Future
We've surpassed our goal of 1 Million Actions ahead of the Summit of the Future in September. Keep the momentum going and join the challenge!
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Photo
04 July 2024
Visit to Thale Noi Wetlands Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System
Thale Noi represents a leading example of adaptive management of biological and natural resources as well as co-evolution based on deep environmental knowledge.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/unthailand/albums/72177720316839876
Publication
17 April 2023
Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand
The Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation on Children in Thailand, authored by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) with the support of UNICEF Thailand, highlights that the most vulnerable children to climate change risks, such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods, are those living in the Northeastern and Southern regions of Thailand. The study's risk map reveals that ten provinces, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Surin, Songkhla, Buriram, Khon Kaen, and Surat Thani, are at high risk of climate change impacts between 2016 and 2035, particularly under the RCP4.5 scenario (moderate release of CO2).
To address these concerns, the study recommends implementing child-sensitive policies, including raising children's awareness and knowledge about climate change, promoting the development of climate-resilient school and health infrastructure, and implementing child-centered early warning systems.
Policy brief, technical note, and child-friendly version are also available for download.
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Press Release
08 April 2024
Global efforts needed to combat waste trafficking to Southeast Asia, new research by UNODC and UNEP reveals
Bangkok (Thailand), 2 April 2024 - A first-ever mapping of waste trafficking trends from Europe to Southeast Asia has been published today. Produced by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the new research sheds light on how criminal actors exploit legal trade and regulatory and enforcement loopholes for financial gain. It also explores the negative impact this crime has on the global circular economy.Southeast Asia remains a key destination for illicit waste shipments, the report reveals, with Europe, North America, and Asia identified as primary regions of origin. Common tactics include false declarations, a lack of or incorrect notifications to circumvent regulations and avoid controls, along with missing or inadequate licenses or documents. âIn todayâs globalized world, waste management has become an increasingly pressing concern in which production, consumption habits, waste crime, waste trafficking, corruption, organized crime, money laundering, and the circular economy are intertwined,â said Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. âThe crime of waste trafficking is taking away the value that legal, well-regulated waste trade brings to sustainable economies.âData collected from four Southeast Asian countries, three major European Union ports, and international enforcement operations highlight efforts in tackling illegal waste shipments by both origin and destination countries. However, despite regulatory and enforcement measures implemented by countries in which illegal waste ends up â such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam â waste trafficking continues to pose a major challenge in the region. âWaste trafficking is a crime that has a profound impact on the environment, bringing high profits and low risks to perpetrators. If we are to fight this crime, we must change this by closing regulatory gaps, increasing enforcement, and strengthening cooperation at home and abroad,â said Preeyaporn Suwannaked, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand.The report, titled Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave, is a flagship within a series of publications that explore corruption, cybercrime, and legal loopholes as causes behind the problem. It is part of a comprehensive project (Unwaste) to address waste trafficking and its impact on the global circular economy.âThe environmental impacts of waste trafficking are contributing to the pollution crisis and need to be addressed. To do this, we must pursue good environmental governance and robust environmental rule of law. Projects such as Unwasteare critical in tackling issues through a multi-sector, multi-disciplinary approach. UNEP is proud to be part of the project, which advances solutions aimed at ensuring a healthy planet and a sustainable future,â said Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director of the Law Division in UNEP.Key types of waste trafficked include plastic, e-waste, metal, and paper, with mixed materials, textiles, vehicle parts, industrial, and medical waste also frequently encountered. Upon arrival at destination, take-back or repatriation procedures are a major challenge as shipments often cannot be traced to their countries of origin. Abandoned or unclaimed containers at ports exacerbate the issue, further complicating enforcement and investigation efforts. As a result, most waste ends up in illegal landfills, the ocean, or burnt in the open. Often, penalties are disproportionately low compared to the potential environmental and health damage inflicted on destination countries. The research also shows a concerning lack of available data to assess the full scale of waste trafficking and identify the connections between criminal actors involved.The report, which has been financed by the European Union, stresses the urgent need for further regulatory reforms, enhanced international cooperation, capacity development, research, and data along with stricter enforcement measures to combat waste trafficking effectively.Click here to access the report series.
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Publication
08 April 2024
Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave
This report, titled Turning the Tide: A Look Into the European Union-to-Southeast Asia Waste Trafficking Wave, is a flagship within a series of publications that explore corruption, cybercrime, and legal loopholes as causes behind the problem. It is part of a comprehensive project (Unwaste) to address waste trafficking and its impact on the global circular economy.Produced by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the new research, which has been financed by the European Union, stresses the urgent need for further regulatory reforms, enhanced international cooperation, capacity development, research, and data along with stricter enforcement measures to combat waste trafficking effectively.Southeast Asia remains a key destination for illicit waste shipments, the report reveals, with Europe, North America, and Asia identified as primary regions of origin. Common tactics include false declarations, a lack of or incorrect notifications to circumvent regulations and avoid controls, along with missing or inadequate licenses or documents.Data collected from four Southeast Asian countries, three major European Union ports, and international enforcement operations highlight efforts in tackling illegal waste shipments by both origin and destination countries. However, despite regulatory and enforcement measures implemented by countries in which illegal waste ends up â such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Viet Nam â waste trafficking continues to pose a major challenge in the region.Learn why waste trafficking is a growing concern in the publication. Click here to access the report, Web of Waste Investigating the Risk of Waste Crimes in Cyber-Space.
Click here to access the main report, Legal Frameworks to Address Waste Trafficking in the ASEAN region â Review and Gap Analysis.
Click here to access the main report, Cash in the Trash The Role of Corruption, Organized Crime and Money Laundering in Waste Trafficking.
Click here to learn more about the Unwaste project.
Click here to access the main report, Legal Frameworks to Address Waste Trafficking in the ASEAN region â Review and Gap Analysis.
Click here to access the main report, Cash in the Trash The Role of Corruption, Organized Crime and Money Laundering in Waste Trafficking.
Click here to learn more about the Unwaste project.
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Story
09 October 2024
A milestone year for the Thai SDG micro-primer: Empowering youth for sustainable action
As we mark the first anniversary of the Thai SDG Micro-Primer, we reflect on a year of impactful progress, with over 6,800 learners engaged since its launch in October 2023. Developed by the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) in collaboration with the UN in Thailand, this initiative has empowered young people to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future. It underscores the power of learning, collaboration, and youth engagement in advancing the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The power of youth-led learningAt the heart of the Thai SDG Micro-Primer is a belief that todayâs youth are the catalysts of change. From its inception, the SDG Micro-Primer was developed with the active involvement of Thai students and young professionals, ensuring that the content resonates with their peers. The inclusion of youth voices in the narrativeâfeaturing a Thai university student as the narrator and a young Thai actress, Toey Jarinporn, in promotional videosâhighlights a commitment to youth empowerment and the role of education in advancing the SDGs.
Building momentum across universities mobilizing youth and academia
In collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) and other partners, the UN Country Team in Thailand led workshops, introducing the SDG Micro-Primer to universities and youth organizations from across the nation. This broad engagement reflects our commitment to embedding sustainable development learning into everyday academic and community life, showcasing the impact of education as a transformative tool.
Reaching universities nationwide
Our efforts extended beyond Bangkok to universities such as Mae Fah Luang University in the North and Thaksin University in the South. These collaborations focus on supporting local sustainability goals while fostering a culture of SDG literacy within academic settings.
Youth-centric events
Events like "Young People: The Future of Sustainability," co-hosted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the visit of Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, brought together youth representatives, university Model UN clubs, and young leaders for impactful discussions on sustainability. These gatherings provided a platform for young voices to be heard and amplified, contributing significantly to national conversations on sustainability. This also led to the establishment of a network of model UN clubs across 7 universities from around the country which have been an active platform to further promote the SDG Micro-Primer among other things.
Innovation in engagement
A key component of the success of the SDG Micro-Primer has been the integration of digital tools to engage youth. Through internships, young national personnel brought fresh perspectives to UN Thailandâs communications and advocacy efforts. One notable success was the creation of an Instagram filter aligned with the Micro-Primerâs themes, which achieved significant engagement during Thailandâs Sustainability Expo 2023. Over 5,000 people interacted with the âWhat SDGs Hero Are You?â filter, demonstrating how digital innovation can effectively engage youth in sustainability conversations.
Global and regional collaboration
The Thai SDG Micro-Primerâs impact has extended beyond national borders. It was presented at international platforms such as the Times Higher Educationâs Global Sustainable Development Congress and the curriculum of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. These partnerships highlight the SDG Micro-Primer's global relevance and adaptability, proving that it can serve as a model for sustainable development learning across diverse regions.As we look to the future, discussions are ongoing with the Sustainable University Network (SUN) of Thailand to institutionalize the SDG Micro-Primer across universities nationwide. This collaboration promises to deepen the educational impact and further integrate sustainable practices into higher education.
Looking ahead: Empowering the next generation of SDG leaders
The Thai SDG Micro-Primer is more than an educational resourceâitâs a platform for youth to take ownership of sustainable development. It inspires action, fosters leadership, and equips young people with the tools they need to drive meaningful change. As UNSSC and UN in Thailand continue to lead in shaping educational innovations within the UN system and across a network of universities in Thailand, the SDG Micro-Primer serves as a model of how collaborative learning can pave the way for a sustainable global future.As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and action. The journey of the Thai SDG Micro-Primer has shown that when we empower youth through learning, using engaging and innovative tools, we are investing in a sustainable future for all led by our future leaders. Together, through youth engagement, we will continue to advance the SDGs and inspire the next generation of leaders.The UN in Thailand will be participating in the Sustainability Expo 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from 27 September to 6 October 2024. If you're interested in learning more about our efforts to engage youth in sustainable development or our partnerships with universities and youth organizations focused on the SDGs in Thailand, feel free to reach out to us at RCO-TH@un.org.
-----------------------Written by Paulyn Duman and Marisa Panyachiva
Building momentum across universities mobilizing youth and academia
In collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) and other partners, the UN Country Team in Thailand led workshops, introducing the SDG Micro-Primer to universities and youth organizations from across the nation. This broad engagement reflects our commitment to embedding sustainable development learning into everyday academic and community life, showcasing the impact of education as a transformative tool.
Reaching universities nationwide
Our efforts extended beyond Bangkok to universities such as Mae Fah Luang University in the North and Thaksin University in the South. These collaborations focus on supporting local sustainability goals while fostering a culture of SDG literacy within academic settings.
Youth-centric events
Events like "Young People: The Future of Sustainability," co-hosted with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the visit of Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, brought together youth representatives, university Model UN clubs, and young leaders for impactful discussions on sustainability. These gatherings provided a platform for young voices to be heard and amplified, contributing significantly to national conversations on sustainability. This also led to the establishment of a network of model UN clubs across 7 universities from around the country which have been an active platform to further promote the SDG Micro-Primer among other things.
Innovation in engagement
A key component of the success of the SDG Micro-Primer has been the integration of digital tools to engage youth. Through internships, young national personnel brought fresh perspectives to UN Thailandâs communications and advocacy efforts. One notable success was the creation of an Instagram filter aligned with the Micro-Primerâs themes, which achieved significant engagement during Thailandâs Sustainability Expo 2023. Over 5,000 people interacted with the âWhat SDGs Hero Are You?â filter, demonstrating how digital innovation can effectively engage youth in sustainability conversations.
Global and regional collaboration
The Thai SDG Micro-Primerâs impact has extended beyond national borders. It was presented at international platforms such as the Times Higher Educationâs Global Sustainable Development Congress and the curriculum of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. These partnerships highlight the SDG Micro-Primer's global relevance and adaptability, proving that it can serve as a model for sustainable development learning across diverse regions.As we look to the future, discussions are ongoing with the Sustainable University Network (SUN) of Thailand to institutionalize the SDG Micro-Primer across universities nationwide. This collaboration promises to deepen the educational impact and further integrate sustainable practices into higher education.
Looking ahead: Empowering the next generation of SDG leaders
The Thai SDG Micro-Primer is more than an educational resourceâitâs a platform for youth to take ownership of sustainable development. It inspires action, fosters leadership, and equips young people with the tools they need to drive meaningful change. As UNSSC and UN in Thailand continue to lead in shaping educational innovations within the UN system and across a network of universities in Thailand, the SDG Micro-Primer serves as a model of how collaborative learning can pave the way for a sustainable global future.As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and action. The journey of the Thai SDG Micro-Primer has shown that when we empower youth through learning, using engaging and innovative tools, we are investing in a sustainable future for all led by our future leaders. Together, through youth engagement, we will continue to advance the SDGs and inspire the next generation of leaders.The UN in Thailand will be participating in the Sustainability Expo 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from 27 September to 6 October 2024. If you're interested in learning more about our efforts to engage youth in sustainable development or our partnerships with universities and youth organizations focused on the SDGs in Thailand, feel free to reach out to us at RCO-TH@un.org.
-----------------------Written by Paulyn Duman and Marisa Panyachiva
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Story
13 October 2024
UNHCR welcomes Thailandâs full adoption of international convention to protect child rights
UNHCR welcomes Thailandâs full adoption of international convention to protect child rightsUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the Royal Thai Governmentâs decision to withdraw its reservation to Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which relates to the rights of refugee children.The withdrawal fulfils a key commitment Thailand made at last yearâs Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. It also strongly reaffirms that refugee children must be recognized as deserving of the same rights to access education, healthcare, legal protection, family reunification and other essential services as any other child under the CRC.UNHCR notes that while this move is commendable, its implementation will be key. Thailandâs existing legal frameworks, including the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding on alternatives to detention, the countryâs education for all policy, and its National Screening Mechanism, which established a formal process for recognizing and protecting asylum-seekers, were all designed to offer protection to refugees. They reflect Thailandâs commitment to upholding refugeesâ rights and well-being despite not being a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention.By strengthening legal protection and expanding access to essential services, Thailand is moving toward a more inclusive environment for refugee children, aligned with international standards. UNHCR hopes it will bring us closer to the day when no refugee children will be detained in Thailand.This important development comes at a time when the world faces unprecedented levels of forced displacement, with children disproportionately affected.Thailand currently hosts over 81,000 refugees from Myanmar across nine temporary shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border, and more than 5,500 refugees and asylum-seekers from over 40 countries who live outside the temporary shelters.
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Story
06 October 2024
Pact for the Future: World leaders pledge action for peace, sustainable development
World leaders on Sunday adopted the Pact for the Future, a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a safer, more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for tomorrowâs generations.The Pact along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, was adopted by consensus, despite a last-minute proposal for an amendment by some countries.The amendment sought to incorporate text calling for non-intervention in any issue of national sovereignty, and the primacy of intergovernmental deliberation, in effect, downplaying the role of the civil society or private sector interests. It was rejected after the 193-member Assembly decided not to act on the proposal.Read the op-ed from the UN Secretary-General on the Summit of the Future.Pact for the FutureThe Pactâs five broad focus areas include: sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations and transforming global governance.This has become an urgent pivot, as multilateral financial institutions and even the United Nations itself have come up short seeking solutions to 21st century problems, the pact lays out.By endorsing the Pact, UN Member States pledged, among other things, to:
⢠Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark 2015 agreements that have seen halting progress and missed milestones.
⢠Listen to young people and include them in decision-making, at the national and global levels.
⢠Build stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities and more.
⢠Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts.
⢠Protect all civilians in armed conflict.
⢠Accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and securityGlobal Digital CompactThe Global Digital Compact marks the first truly worldwide agreement on the international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and is founded on the idea that technology should benefit everyone.It outlines commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity, and misuse of technology.The Compact aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, fostering global cooperation on both AI capabilities and security threats. Governments are also obligated to form an impartial worldwide Scientific Panel on AI and start an international conversation about AI governance inside the UN.Declaration on Future GenerationsThe Declaration on Future Generations focuses on securing the well-being of future generations, also highlighting the need to include their interests in decision-making processes.It also underlines the importance of protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equity, and ensuring that long-term consequences of today's actions are considered.New opportunitiesSpeaking after the adoption, Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres emphasized that the Pact for the Future and its annexes, âopen pathways to new possibilities and opportunities.ââPeople everywhere are hoping for a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity. They are crying out for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality, and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone,â he said.âThey see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges,â he continued, adding âthe Summit of the Future sets a course for international cooperation that can meet their expectations ⌠now, letâs get to work.âMonths of negotiationThe adoption was the culmination of months of negotiationsâŻco-facilitated by Germany and Namibia.Speaking after the adoption, PhilĂŠmon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, urged nations to move forward, together, in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation.âThe path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld. A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity.âA version of this article first appeared on UN News.
⢠Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark 2015 agreements that have seen halting progress and missed milestones.
⢠Listen to young people and include them in decision-making, at the national and global levels.
⢠Build stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities and more.
⢠Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts.
⢠Protect all civilians in armed conflict.
⢠Accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and securityGlobal Digital CompactThe Global Digital Compact marks the first truly worldwide agreement on the international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and is founded on the idea that technology should benefit everyone.It outlines commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity, and misuse of technology.The Compact aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, fostering global cooperation on both AI capabilities and security threats. Governments are also obligated to form an impartial worldwide Scientific Panel on AI and start an international conversation about AI governance inside the UN.Declaration on Future GenerationsThe Declaration on Future Generations focuses on securing the well-being of future generations, also highlighting the need to include their interests in decision-making processes.It also underlines the importance of protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equity, and ensuring that long-term consequences of today's actions are considered.New opportunitiesSpeaking after the adoption, Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres emphasized that the Pact for the Future and its annexes, âopen pathways to new possibilities and opportunities.ââPeople everywhere are hoping for a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity. They are crying out for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality, and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone,â he said.âThey see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges,â he continued, adding âthe Summit of the Future sets a course for international cooperation that can meet their expectations ⌠now, letâs get to work.âMonths of negotiationThe adoption was the culmination of months of negotiationsâŻco-facilitated by Germany and Namibia.Speaking after the adoption, PhilĂŠmon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, urged nations to move forward, together, in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation.âThe path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld. A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity.âA version of this article first appeared on UN News.
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Story
06 October 2024
Time to address today's learning crisis
Every May, an alert on my phone nudges me to purchase carnations for my former political science teachers, Prof Lee and Prof Kim. Three decades after I last sat in their classrooms, I wonder if they would still recognise the name written on the tag. But sending my flowers on South Korea's National Teachers Day is the least I can do to thank them for paving the way for my career as a diplomat.
From the wai kru ceremonies in Thailand to appreciation events in Laos and Cambodia, all Asean countries set aside days for current and former students to honour teachers with flowers, traditional dances and gestures of respect. These rituals are important, but World Teachers' Day, on Oct 5, should remind us that genuine respect for educators must go beyond perennial displays of appreciation like the carnations I send to address the roots of the learning crisis that grips our region. Even before Covid-19, 128 million young people in the Asia-Pacific were out of school. Millions more students are at risk of dropping out -- particularly those from marginalised communities. Even for those in school, the outlook is alarming: half are expected to leave without basic literacy and numeracy skills.The learning crisis has many causes, but among the most significant is a shortfall in quality teachers. Unesco's latest global report on teacher shortages found that only 78 of the world's 197 countries are expected to have enough teachers for universal primary education by 2030, with only 30 out of 187 countries on track to meet teacher recruitment targets at the secondary level. Although Unesco estimates that 31 million more secondary school teachers and 13 million more primary school teachers are needed by 2030, educators are rapidly leaving the profession. Retaining them and attracting new ones means ensuring teachers have a meaningful role in shaping the policies that govern their work.
Teachers on the Front Lines
Teachers stand at the front lines of the education system, witnessing firsthand how policies affect students. Their deep understanding of classroom realities allows them to see the impact of these policies in ways that administrators or policymakers may not.One example is Sengphet Khounpasert, an ethnic Khmu teacher in Laos who was recognised by the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation as an outstanding teacher in Asean. In 2022, Ms Sengphet told Unesco that working intimately with the community around her school enables her to reassure parents worried about their daughters travelling for education, boost girls' confidence in STEM subjects and sports, and help boys appreciate the importance of gender equality. "One of the approaches I use is to participate in activities organised by the village committees," Ms Sengphet said. "This way, I can gain access to students and parents, as well as the community."Another is Janwan, a Thai educator of Karen ethnicity who teaches at a school in Tak province where many students are from ethnic minority backgrounds. She says that because many of her students cannot write Thai consonants correctly, she gives them one-on-one coaching to ensure they do not fall behind. "My method may be a bit time-consuming. But if it allows children to learn well, I'm willing to invest the time and I'll continue doing it," she told Unesco.
Teachers like Ms Sengphet and Ms Janwan know what works best in their classrooms and have the insights to shape education policies that directly address the diverse needs of students. Yet all too often, their voices are excluded. On average, across OECD countries, only 14% of teachers say that policymakers value their view, and only 24% of teachers believe they can influence education policy.
Promising Practices from Laos
Unesco Bangkok works across the Asia-Pacific to support educators through training, advocacy and policy advice. One key area of focus is improving teachers' digital literacy.As the pandemic demonstrated, technology is a lifeline for education. However, many teachers are not adequately equipped to integrate digital tools into their teaching. According to the OECD's Teaching and Learning International Survey in 2018, only 56% of lower secondary school teachers in the 48 participating education systems had received training in the use of ICT as part of their formal education or training.In Laos, where the need for digital skills in education is particularly pressing, Unesco's Capacity Development for Education programme has empowered educators to develop ICT courses and teaching modules that align with the national ICT competency standards for teachers, fostering student teachers' digital competencies. By equipping future educators with the ability to create and use practical, flexible and context-specific ICT tools, CapED is cultivating a new generation of teachers who can effectively navigate the digital landscape. Key to the programme's success is its commitment to incorporating teachers' voices into the development process.While the efforts in Laos are promising, they highlight an issue that extends beyond a single country -- teachers across the Asia-Pacific need their voices to be heard at every level of policymaking. This was a key takeaway from the 6th Asia-Pacific Meeting on Education 2030, organised by Unesco in collaboration with Unicef, where more than 200 education experts from 30 countries in the region gathered in Bangkok last month. As they return to their countries, the recommendation they bring to education ministries is clear: teachers must be at the centre of policymaking discussions if we are to overcome the challenges facing our education systems.
From Carnations to Conversations
World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to reflect on the dedication of teachers who go above and beyond for their students. But true respect for teachers means valuing their insights as well as their dedication to their work.Shouldn't the appreciation we express through annual ceremonies be matched by genuine engagement in educational reforms? The voices of teachers who understand their students' needs better than anyone deserve to be heard not just in their classrooms, but in every policy discussion. If we are serious about addressing the learning crisis, it's time we treat teachers not just as implementers of policy but as co-creators. Their expertise should guide educational reforms from the ground up, shaping an inclusive system that works for all students.-------------------
Soohyun Kim is the Regional Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Bangkok and Representative to Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Singapore.
From the wai kru ceremonies in Thailand to appreciation events in Laos and Cambodia, all Asean countries set aside days for current and former students to honour teachers with flowers, traditional dances and gestures of respect. These rituals are important, but World Teachers' Day, on Oct 5, should remind us that genuine respect for educators must go beyond perennial displays of appreciation like the carnations I send to address the roots of the learning crisis that grips our region. Even before Covid-19, 128 million young people in the Asia-Pacific were out of school. Millions more students are at risk of dropping out -- particularly those from marginalised communities. Even for those in school, the outlook is alarming: half are expected to leave without basic literacy and numeracy skills.The learning crisis has many causes, but among the most significant is a shortfall in quality teachers. Unesco's latest global report on teacher shortages found that only 78 of the world's 197 countries are expected to have enough teachers for universal primary education by 2030, with only 30 out of 187 countries on track to meet teacher recruitment targets at the secondary level. Although Unesco estimates that 31 million more secondary school teachers and 13 million more primary school teachers are needed by 2030, educators are rapidly leaving the profession. Retaining them and attracting new ones means ensuring teachers have a meaningful role in shaping the policies that govern their work.
Teachers on the Front Lines
Teachers stand at the front lines of the education system, witnessing firsthand how policies affect students. Their deep understanding of classroom realities allows them to see the impact of these policies in ways that administrators or policymakers may not.One example is Sengphet Khounpasert, an ethnic Khmu teacher in Laos who was recognised by the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation as an outstanding teacher in Asean. In 2022, Ms Sengphet told Unesco that working intimately with the community around her school enables her to reassure parents worried about their daughters travelling for education, boost girls' confidence in STEM subjects and sports, and help boys appreciate the importance of gender equality. "One of the approaches I use is to participate in activities organised by the village committees," Ms Sengphet said. "This way, I can gain access to students and parents, as well as the community."Another is Janwan, a Thai educator of Karen ethnicity who teaches at a school in Tak province where many students are from ethnic minority backgrounds. She says that because many of her students cannot write Thai consonants correctly, she gives them one-on-one coaching to ensure they do not fall behind. "My method may be a bit time-consuming. But if it allows children to learn well, I'm willing to invest the time and I'll continue doing it," she told Unesco.
Teachers like Ms Sengphet and Ms Janwan know what works best in their classrooms and have the insights to shape education policies that directly address the diverse needs of students. Yet all too often, their voices are excluded. On average, across OECD countries, only 14% of teachers say that policymakers value their view, and only 24% of teachers believe they can influence education policy.
Promising Practices from Laos
Unesco Bangkok works across the Asia-Pacific to support educators through training, advocacy and policy advice. One key area of focus is improving teachers' digital literacy.As the pandemic demonstrated, technology is a lifeline for education. However, many teachers are not adequately equipped to integrate digital tools into their teaching. According to the OECD's Teaching and Learning International Survey in 2018, only 56% of lower secondary school teachers in the 48 participating education systems had received training in the use of ICT as part of their formal education or training.In Laos, where the need for digital skills in education is particularly pressing, Unesco's Capacity Development for Education programme has empowered educators to develop ICT courses and teaching modules that align with the national ICT competency standards for teachers, fostering student teachers' digital competencies. By equipping future educators with the ability to create and use practical, flexible and context-specific ICT tools, CapED is cultivating a new generation of teachers who can effectively navigate the digital landscape. Key to the programme's success is its commitment to incorporating teachers' voices into the development process.While the efforts in Laos are promising, they highlight an issue that extends beyond a single country -- teachers across the Asia-Pacific need their voices to be heard at every level of policymaking. This was a key takeaway from the 6th Asia-Pacific Meeting on Education 2030, organised by Unesco in collaboration with Unicef, where more than 200 education experts from 30 countries in the region gathered in Bangkok last month. As they return to their countries, the recommendation they bring to education ministries is clear: teachers must be at the centre of policymaking discussions if we are to overcome the challenges facing our education systems.
From Carnations to Conversations
World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to reflect on the dedication of teachers who go above and beyond for their students. But true respect for teachers means valuing their insights as well as their dedication to their work.Shouldn't the appreciation we express through annual ceremonies be matched by genuine engagement in educational reforms? The voices of teachers who understand their students' needs better than anyone deserve to be heard not just in their classrooms, but in every policy discussion. If we are serious about addressing the learning crisis, it's time we treat teachers not just as implementers of policy but as co-creators. Their expertise should guide educational reforms from the ground up, shaping an inclusive system that works for all students.-------------------
Soohyun Kim is the Regional Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Bangkok and Representative to Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Singapore.
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Story
13 October 2024
World Leaders Must Reboot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow: UN Chief
Final negotiations are underway in New York for this monthâs Summit of the Future, where Heads of State will agree on reforms to the building blocks of global cooperation.The United Nations has convened this unique Summit because of a stark fact: global problems are moving faster than the institutions designed to solve them.We see this all around us. Ferocious conflicts and violence are inflicting terrible suffering; geopolitical divisions are rife; inequality and injustice are everywhere, corroding trust, compounding grievances, and feeding populism and extremism. The age-old challenges of poverty, hunger, discrimination, misogyny and racism are taking on new forms.Meanwhile, we face new and existential threats, from runaway climate chaos and environmental degradation to technologies like Artificial Intelligence developing in an ethical and legal vacuum.The Summit of the Future recognizes that the solutions to all these challenges are in our hands. But we need a systems update that only global leaders can deliver.International decision-making is stuck in a time warp. Many global institutions and tools are a product of the 1940s â an era before globalization, before decolonization, before widespread recognition of universal human rights and gender equality, before humanity travelled into space â never mind cyberspace.The victors of World War II still have pre-eminence in the UN Security Council while the entire continent of Africa lacks a permanent seat. The global financial architecture is heavily weighted against developing countries and fails to provide a safety net when they face difficulties, leaving them drowning in debt, which drains money away from investments in their people.And global institutions offer limited space for many of the major players in todayâs world â from civil society to the private sector. Young people who will inherit the future are almost invisible, while the interests of future generations go unrepresented.The message is clear: we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents. The Summit of the Future will be an opportunity to re-boot multilateral collaboration fit for the 21st century.The solutions we have proposed include a New Agenda for Peace focused on updating international institutions and tools to prevent and end conflicts, including the UN Security Council. The New Agenda for Peace calls for a renewed push to rid our world of nuclear arms and other Weapons of Mass Destruction; and for broadening the definition of security to encompass gender-based violence and gang violence. It takes future security threats into account, recognizing the changing nature of warfare and the risks of weaponizing new technologies. For example, we need a global agreement to outlaw so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapons that can take life-or-death decisions without human input.Global financial institutions must reflect todayâs world and be equipped to lead a more powerful response to todayâs challenges â debt, sustainable development, climate action. That means concrete steps to tackle debt distress, increase the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, and change their business model so that developing countries have far more access to private finance at affordable rates.Without that finance, developing countries will not be able to tackle our greatest future threat: the climate crisis. They urgently need resources to transition from planet-wrecking fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.And as leaders highlighted last year, reforming the global financial architecture is also key to jump-starting desperately needed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.The Summit will also focus on new technologies with a global impact, seeking ways to close the digital divide and establish shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all.Artificial Intelligence is a revolutionary technology with applications and risks we are only beginning to understand. We have put forward specific proposals for governments, together with tech companies, academia and civil society, to work on risk management frameworks for AI and on monitoring and mitigating its harms, as well as sharing its benefits. The governance of AI cannot be left to the rich; it requires that all countries participate, and the UN is ready to provide a platform to bring people together.Human rights and gender equality are a common thread linking all these proposals. Global decision-making cannot be reformed without respect for all human rights and for cultural diversity, ensuring the full participation and leadership of women and girls. We are demanding renewed efforts to remove the historic barriers â legal, social and economic â that exclude women from power.The peacebuilders of the 1940s created institutions that helped prevent World War III and ushered many countries from colonization to independence. But they would not recognize todayâs global landscape.The Summit of the Future is a chance to build more effective and inclusive institutions and tools for global cooperation, tuned to the 21st century and our multipolar world.I urge leaders to seize it.Op-ed from the UN Secretary-General on the Summit of the Future.
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Press Release
09 October 2024
UNICEF and UNHCR urge urgent action to end childhood statelessness
BANGKOK, 7 October 2024 - On this yearâs International Birth Registration Day, the United Nations Childrenâs Fund (UNICEF) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, are jointly calling for increased awareness of the importance of birth registration. This registration is the first legal recognition of a child and the foundation for securing every person's lifelong right to a legal identity.Thailand has one of the worldâs largest stateless populations. As of June 2024, data from the Ministry of Interior confirms there are over 592,340 people registered as stateless in the country, with approximately 169,241 being children. Birth registration is the first step towards a legal identity, and the surest pathway towards nationality and citizenship. Without registration a child may become stateless, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. In Thailand, birth registration alone does not guarantee a child Thai nationality unless they meet the eligibility criteria under Thai law. However, birth registration is crucial as it records essential information, such as the parentsâ nationality, which is necessary for obtaining nationality. "Birth registration isn't just a formality, it's the key which unlocks a child's right to a legal identity and other rights such as education, healthcare and protection. said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. "Without a birth certificate, children are invisible to the authorities, can become stateless, and may be deprived of further fundamental rights. Their physical and mental health will be at risk, and they will be unable to fully contribute to their families, communities and the country as a whole. Ending statelessness will enormously benefit children and Thailand, which is why UNICEF will continue to work with the Government and partners such as the UNHCR towards this crucial goal."Under Thai law, every child born in Thailand is entitled to be registered at birth and receive a birth certificate, regardless of their parents' status. However, many children, particularly those from ethnic groups in remote areas, remain unregistered due to a lack of awareness or resources. In April, the Royal Thai Government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges by formally joining the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, a coalition that will be launched on 14 October in Geneva.In recent years, Thailand has made considerable reforms to its nationality and civil registration laws, creating a legislative framework that offers pathways for stateless individuals to acquire nationality. However, progress in translating policy into practice, especially at the local level, remains limited and slow with only a small number of stateless people successfully obtaining a nationality or permanent residency.âGovernments hold the power to enact legal and policy reforms that can help stateless people on their territory acquire citizenships,â said Tammi Sharpe, UNHCR Representative in Thailand âUNHCR applauds the steps taken by the Royal Thai Government to address statelessness and encourages the Government to remain focused on the issues in order to eradicate statelessness in Thailand through robust civil registration.âA UNHCR study conducted in 2021 highlighted key challenges in ending childhood statelessness around the world. The study, Revision of Nationality Procedures in Thailand: Bottlenecks Analysis and Recommendations, found that complex procedures, lack of awareness among parents and officials, limited resource at local level, geographical barriers and negative attitudes among officials towards stateless people are obstacles in addressing statelessness.UNICEF and UNHCR are working closely with the Royal Thai Government to raise awareness and facilitate birth registration, all with the goal of accelerating progress towards ending childhood statelessness.As part of these efforts UNICEF and UNHCR are launching a video series featuring children who were born stateless in Thailand, some of whom have since gained a legal identity and some of whom are still struggling to obtain this right Their stories will be featured on our social media platforms throughout October and November.For more information, please visit https://www.unicef.org/thailand/endstatelessness or
https://www.unhcr.org/th/
https://www.unhcr.org/th/
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Press Release
09 October 2024
FAO Asia-Pacific calls for urgent action to protect âRight to Foodsâ
Access to diverse, nutritious, and affordable food is increasingly under threat, with 733 million people globally facing hunger and malnutrition. In 2022, approximately 23 percent of the Asia-Pacific population faced food insecurity, which, along with high rates of malnutrition, adversely impacts proper growth in children.This yearâs World Food Day theme, âRight to Foodsâ for a Better Life and a Better Future, underscores the importance of the accessibility and affordability of a healthy diet as well as the long-term environmental health that sustains food production. The rising rates of malnutrition are affecting all socio-economic groups, with global obesity rates projected to increase from 14 percent in 2020 to 24 percent by 2035.The Asia-Pacific region plays a vital role in global agrifood systems, employing 793 million of the 1.2 billion people employed in the agricultural sector globally, and significantly contributing to feeding a global population of 8 billion. Despite this, more than one-third of the global population, approximately 2.8 billion cannot afford a healthy diet, with 1.66 billion facing this challenge in Asia alone.The note of caution was emphasized during the regional observance, convened today in Bangkok, by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).World Food Day observance: honoring young leadersHer Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, FAO Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, presided over the regional World Food Day ceremony. Her Royal Highness emphasized that âfood must be produced sustainably to ensure communities have access to nutritious food, even in times of crisis. Ultimately, the nutritious and diverse food needs to reach peopleâs plate; thus, we must ensure that it is available at affordable prices."The event celebrated innovation, recognizing five remarkable young leaders from Thailand, Indonesia, Samoa, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea for their contributions to strengthening agrifood systems and sustainability in the region. Her Royal Highness presented them with awards to acknowledge their innovative initiatives. While acknowledging the contributions of the young innovators, Jong-Jin Kim the Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific stated, âTechnology and Innovation provide us with new solutions to the complex problems that we face today in our agrifood systemsâ.Certificates were also awarded to winners of the regional photo contest on food security and nutrition from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Mongolia, part of FAO's "Four Betters" initiativeâbetter production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life â leaving no one behind.Collective action: a unified approach to food security FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu has highlighted that âThe right to foods will not in itself fill stomachs or put more diverse diets on plates. But it does help frame our collective aspirations for the kind of just and equitable world we want to live in. It creates concrete obligations for governments and key partners to fulfil, and it should encourage all of us to do our part to ensure it is realized.âFAO plays a key role in addressing the complex challenge of strengthening agrifood systems. Its State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, produced with UN agencies, provides crucial updates on food security, nutrition, and the affordability of healthy diets. In addition, FAO has partnered with Member Countries to develop dietary guidelines that inform policies on food, health, and agriculture, and to promote nutrition education.FAOâs Kim emphasized that "the gap between the right to food and reality can only be bridged by action. We must act now to strengthen the right to foods across the Asia-Pacific."Governments are urged to incentivize the production and sale of nutritious foods, ensuring access to healthy diets for all, especially the most vulnerable. Consumer organizations must also advocate for the rights of consumers in negotiations with the food industry and governments.âThe cost of neglecting the right to food is immense," said Kim. "If we are committed to leaving no one behind, action cannot wait. We must transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, while respecting traditional food cultures and personal preferences."The actions and investments of today will shape our future, and the discussions and partnerships will continue as FAO approaches its International Soil and Water Forum 2024, co-organized with the Royal Thai Government in December. This forum will sustain the momentum of global and regional efforts, driving forward urgent actions needed to protect our natural resources and secure a more resilient agrifood system for future generations.More on this topicWorld Food Day 2024
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Press Release
23 September 2024
United Nations adopts ground-breaking Pact for the Future to transform global governance
New York, 22 September 2024 â World leaders today adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. This Pact is the culmination of an inclusive, years-long process to adapt international cooperation to the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The most wide-ranging international agreement in many years, covering entirely new areas as well as issues on which agreement has not been possible in decades, the Pact aims above all to ensure that international institutions can deliver in the face of a world that has changed dramatically since they were created. As the Secretary-General has said, âwe cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.â
Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countriesâ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of todayâs world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.
âThe Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,â said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would âlay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order â for all peoples and nations.â
The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:
In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including:Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy. Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to:Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.
Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.
The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts:
Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org
Overall, the agreement of the Pact is a strong statement of countriesâ commitment to the United Nations, the international system and international law. Leaders set out a clear vision of an international system that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of todayâs world and draws on the energy and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.
âThe Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities,â said the Secretary-General during his remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future. The President of the General Assembly noted that the Pact would âlay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order â for all peoples and nations.â
The Pact covers a broad range of issues including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. Key deliverables in the Pact include:
In the area of peace and securityThe most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s, with plans to improve the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, including by redressing the historical under-representation of Africa as a priority.The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in more than a decade, with a clear commitment to the goal of totally eliminating nuclear weapons.Agreement to strengthen international frameworks that govern outer space, including a clear commitment to prevent an arms race in outer space and the need to ensure all countries can benefit from the safe and sustainable exploration of outer space.Steps to avoid the weaponization and misuse of new technologies, such as lethal autonomous weapons, and affirmation that the laws of war should apply to many of these new technologies.
On sustainable development, climate and financing for developmentThe entire Pact is designed to turbo-charge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.The most detailed agreement ever at the United Nations on the need for reform of the international financial architecture so that it better represents and serves developing countries, including:Giving developing countries a greater say in how decisions are taken at international financial institutions;Mobilizing more financing from multilateral development banks to help developing countries meet their development needs;Reviewing the sovereign debt architecture to ensure that developing countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their future, with the IMF, UN, G20 and other key players working together;Strengthening the global financial safety net to protect the poorest in the event of financial and economic shocks, through concrete actions by the IMF and Member States;and accelerating measures to address the challenge of climate change, including through delivering more finance to help countries adapt to climate change and invest in renewable energy. Improving how we measure human progress, going beyond GDP to capturing human and planetary wellbeing and sustainability.A commitment to consider ways to introduce a global minimum level of taxation on high-net-worth individuals.On climate change, confirmation of the need to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
On digital cooperationThe Global Digital Compact, annexed to the Pact, is the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance.At the heart of the Compact is a commitment to design, use and govern technology for the benefit of all. This includes commitments by world leaders to:Connect all people, schools and hospitals to the Internet;Anchor digital cooperation in human rights and international law;Make the online space safe for all, especially children, through actions by governments, tech companies and social media;Govern Artificial Intelligence, with a roadmap that includes an International Scientific Panel and a Global Policy Dialogue on AI;Make data more open and accessible, with agreements on open-source data, models, and standards;This is also the first global commitment to data governance, placing it on the UN agenda and requiring countries to take concrete actions by 2030.
Youth and future generationsThe first ever Declaration on Future Generations, with concrete steps to take account of future generations in our decision-making, including a possible envoy for future generations.A commitment to more meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the decisions that shape their lives, especially at the global level.
Human rights and genderA strengthening of our work on human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.A clear call on the need to protect human rights defenders.Strong signals on the importance of engagement of other stakeholders in global governance, including local and regional governments, civil society, private sector and others.
There are provisions across the Pact and its annexes for follow-up action, to ensure that the commitments made are implemented.
Summit Process
The Summit process and the Pact have been deeply enriched by the contributions of millions of voices and thousands of stakeholders from around the world.
The Summit brought together over 4000 individuals from Heads of State and Government, observers, IGOs, UN System, civil society and non-governmental organizations. In a broader push to increase the engagement of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days from 20-21 September, which attracted more than 7,000 individuals representing all segments of society. The Action Days featured strong commitments to action by all stakeholders, as well as pledges of USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.###
For more information: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Media contacts:
Francyne Harrigan, United Nations Department of Global Communications | harriganf@un.org
Stefania Piffanelli, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | piffanelli@un.org
Jackquelyn Kay Topacio, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations | jackquelyn.topacio@un.org
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Press Release
08 September 2024
UN Human Rights Office welcomes Thailandâs withdrawal of the reservation on Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
âThailandâs decision to withdraw its reservation to this article is a significant, positive step towards aligning the countryâs laws and policies with international human rights and refugee law standards to protect the rights of all children on the move no matter who they are or where they are from,â said Cynthia Veliko, Representative of the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia.The decision of the Thai Cabinet to withdraw Thailandâs reservation to Article 22 came into effect on 30 August 2024. Article 22 of the CRC establishes the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking children to protection, humanitarian assistance, and access to support and other services equal to that of children who are nationals, as set out in the Convention and other international human rights instruments to which Thailand is a State Party.The withdrawal of the reservation on the CRC can further enable the Government of Thailand to ensure that all children are protected under the recently introduced National Screening Mechanism (NSM), effective on 22 September 2023, which grants the status of âprotected personâ to those who enter or stay in Thailand but are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin for fear of persecution for valid reasons.However, children without legal status in Thailand can still be subjected to immigration detention, despite the Governmentâs issuance of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Measures and Approaches for Alternatives to the Detention of Children in Immigration Detention Centres (MOU-ATD) in 2019.In its expert guidance, the Committee on the Rights of the Child has stated unequivocally that every child, at all times, has a fundamental right to liberty and freedom from immigration detention.âI urge the Government of Thailand to now focus on ending child immigration detention and implementing human rights-based alternatives to detention. Children on the move are children first and foremost and detention because of their or their parentsâ migration status is never in their best interests. As a consequence, human rights-based alternatives to detention should be provided to all children without discrimination as to their national origin, mode of travel or port of entry or any other considerations,â Veliko said.The UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia is available to support and collaborate with the Government of Thailand and other stakeholders to further develop and implement alternatives to immigration detention to ensure that every child on the move receives the protection and care they need.For more information and media requests, please contact:Wannaporn Samutassadong â +66 65 986 0810 / wannaporn.samutassadong[@]un.org
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Press Release
14 June 2024
UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia welcomes Thailandâs ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
The ratification comes one year after the entry into force of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance which represents a critical milestone in Thailandâs domestic law criminalizing torture and enforced disappearances.âBy ratifying the ICPPED, Thailand reaffirms its commitments made during its last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and during the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect all persons from enforced disappearances and to eliminate such heinous crimes that violate a wide range of human rights and inflict indelible and long-lasting trauma on the lives of families and communities,â said Cynthia Veliko, Regional Representative of the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia.As of August 2023, Thailand has 77 cases of enforced disappearances pending with the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance, which are yet to be resolved.âTheir families and communities have been forced to live with unbearable uncertainty, some for decades. They are entitled to know the truth and must receive redress,â Veliko said.In this context, Article 24 of the Convention recognizes that each victim has the right to know the truth regarding the circumstances of the enforced disappearance, the progress and results of the investigation into the fate of the disappeared person as well as the right to obtain reparation and prompt, fair and adequate compensation.âAll branches of government (executive, legislative and judicial) are bound by the obligations articulated in the Convention. It will be critical that the Government ensures justice and the resolution of past cases, as well as the timely and comprehensive integration of the provisions of the ICPPED into national laws, policies and practices for purposes of full compliance and accountability,â Veliko said.For more information and media requests, please contact: Wannaporn Samutassadong wannaporn.samutassadong@un.org)
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