Resident Coordinator's remarks at the Thailand & SDGs Conference: The Role of International Agencies

Remarks as delivered by UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand at the Thailand & Sustainable Development Goals Conference: The Role of International Agencies.

It is my pleasure to co-host the SDG National Conference today, focusing on the role of international agencies in advancing the 2030 Agenda.

First, let me thank Dr. Wiparat with the National Research Council, Khun Nadhavathna from the MFA, and Dr. Thattai at the NESDC for our close collaboration.

Let us be very clear – the partnerships we see reflected here is absolutely essential to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, the global blueprint for dignity, peace and prosperity for people and the planet, as well as Thailand’s national development strategy. This is a great responsibility that requires equal commitment from all sides.

In my remarks today, I want to focus on the whole-of-society approach necessary for progress towards the SDGs, how the UN is contributing in Thailand through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and finally end on a note of optimism about growing awareness and commitment to these shared goals.

The pandemic is a reminder about interconnectedness, not only of challenges but also solutions. Pull one thread and the entire social fabric is affected.

UN Secretary-General has a stark message for us all. “The choices we make, or fail to make today, could result in further breakdown, or a breakthrough to a greener, better, safer future.” The cost of inaction is clear, but so too is the real potential to build a better world if we work together now.

Thailand brings unique strengths to the table. The vibrant and dynamic civil society is exemplified in the spirit of volunteerism and community solidarity demonstrated during the pandemic. As a regional hub, both a provider and recipient of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, Thailand contributes to and benefits from strong ties in Southeast Asia and across the world.

Another key player is the private sector, which has an essential role in leading on sustainable financing. Next week, the UN will co-host with the Minister of Finance and Government Pensions Fund a dialogue to scale up commitments by banks and investors to adopt the UN Sustainable Principles for Banking and Investment, laying the foundations for long-term green and sustainable development.

In Thailand, the Global Compact Network has already committed $40 billion over a 10-year period towards the attainment of the SDGs. At the upcoming roundtable in October, the private sector is expected to agree on further ambitious targets, to reduce CO2 emissions.

It is important to remember when we talk about civil society that this includes the private sector, indeed it includes all of us. Strengthening the bonds that hold us together, that provide the bedrock for our work towards common goals of a sustainable future, requires empathy and outreach especially across generations.

Young people made up the largest segment in Thailand in a recent global survey, in which they resoundingly responded that they favor working together on development, climate change, and peace and security issues.

We need to include, listen to and be led by youth. The UN is reaching out through many avenues, including the SDGs Youth Panel, an advisory board to the UN Country Team, and the Youth as Researchers programme where young people will have the opportunity to make policy recommendations.

Going forward, we will also be institutionalizing civil society dialogues to bring a full range of perspectives to inform policy and strategy in country.

Let me highlight here the comparative advantages the UN brings in terms of cutting-edge international expertise and technology, and as a co-convener of these vital partnerships and coalitions.

Over recent months, we have been engaging in comprehensive consultations with key actors, including with many of you here today, to inform the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Framework brings UN’s work here into alignment with national development goals, and the transition from natural resource-based industries towards a high value-added economy.

A key focus of this integrated work is the inclusive economy based on green, low-carbon and sustainable development. Work in this area is already accelerating, with UNIDO having leveraged $18 million from the private sector to scale up green technology solutions for the steel and aluminium industries, led by the Ministry of Industry.

The Cooperation Framework is also about investing in human capital. The role of education, and especially developing STEM and ICT, is the key enabler.

The Girls in ICT initiative, jointly undertaken by ITU and UNICEF with Government and the private sector, is focusing on gender inclusion and the school-to-work pipeline. This lays the foundation for full participation in the tech economy, buttressed by ILO’s partnership with the largest hard-disk manufacturer in the country to train technical and soft skills.

That brings me to the third pillar of the Cooperation Framework, ensuring that those at risk of being left furthest behind can participate and benefit from development, free from all forms of discrimination.

We are working with Government and other actors to strategically adjust and adapt existing social security schemes to include the self-employed and assure mobility of benefits of people moving between formal and informal labour markets.

This is just a brief glimpse into the UN’s work, with much more to be done in areas such as the promotion of sustainable growth for SMEs and community businesses; smart cities; reducing the number of people living in poverty; and ensuring no one is left behind.

We all follow the news, and we all know that the challenges are considerable. Yet the causes for optimism are equally clear if we look. There is an overwhelming public appetite for more, and more effective, international cooperation, with more inclusion enabling women, young people, and marginalized communities to share in leadership and ownership. The potential is limitless if we commit to working together.

I very much look forward to today’s comprehensive discussions on the role of International Agencies in supporting Thailand, learning from each other, and moving forward together to achieve our shared goals.

Thank you.