Pathways to Progress: SDG Localization and Breakthroughs in Climate and Human Rights

The partnership between the UN in Thailand and the Ministry of Interior, involving all 77 provincial governors, has significantly contributed to advancing the nation's sustainable development and human rights efforts. This collaboration, initiated three years ago with the signing of a Statement of Commitment by the provincial governors, has facilitated joint initiatives across the UN Country Team, such as waste segregation, waste banks, and sustainable fashion, aligned with SDG localisation. With the Resident Coordinator fulfilling the 'convener' mandate, this collaboration has expanded from environmental issues into localising critical human rights issues.

Thailand's pioneering move to recognise same-sex marriage marks a significant milestone, making it the first Southeast Asian country to do so. The Marriage Equality Act signifies a major stride in upholding human rights and fostering inclusivity across the nation. In a joint event on 13 January 2025, the UN Country Team gathered to witness all 77 governors pledge to advance marriage equality and gender diversity in their Provinces, recognising that all love is equal. The leadership of the provincial governors is recognised not only to facilitate the registration of marriages but to shape a society that values diversity, promotes inclusivity and recognises the rights of all.

The UN leverages this partnership to push forward substantive agendas at the local levels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, human rights and equality across Thailand. Additionally, the UN has a longstanding partnership with the private sector through the Global Compact Network in Thailand, which has 140 members. The Network has pledged to accelerate the 2030 Agenda through multiple projects amounting to US$46.2 billion over 10 years, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, protect a third of land and marine areas, and invest in human capital development for a million people to drive the green transition. Most recently, the UN formalized a partnership with 59 universities nationwide through the Sustainable University Network to integrate the SDGs into their curricula and empower youth, benefiting over 600,000 students and their communities.

The UN leverages its partnerships with all 77 provincial governors to push forward substantive agendas at all the local levels, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development, human rights and equality across Thailand.