Thailand Commemorates 80 Years of the United Nations, Underscoring Collective Action for a Sustainable Future

Bangkok, 24 October 2025 – Thailand marked United Nations Day and the 80th anniversary of the UN today by reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and the 2030 Agenda as a shared pathway for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. This year’s commemoration echoes the UN Secretary-General’s call for the world to stand together and renew the promise of the UN.

Michaela Friberg-Storey, Representative of the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, commended Thailand’s sustained commitment to sustainable development at home and internationally, reaffirming UN support for the country’s priorities. “Thailand’s progress towards the SDGs is driven by the determination and resilience of its people. As the UN marks its 80th anniversary today, our joint exhibition “30 Stories, 17 Goals, One Road to 2030” stands as a testament to that spirit and to the power of partnership when ‘we the peoples’ act together. They show what is possible when we work together to make real change happen, by the people, for the people, and with communities.”

Sarun Charoensuwan, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, extended his congratulations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The UN has played a vital role in promoting peace and security, advancing sustainable development, and upholding human dignity for people around the world, he said. "I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the United Nations for its tireless efforts, and for its enduring partnership with Thailand in advancing the well-being of our people, protecting our planet, and promoting peace, prosperity, and partnership."

He also reaffirmed Thailand’s active role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its long-standing commitment as a good host to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and various UN entities based in Thailand. "We remain dedicated to providing a supportive environment for the UN system to thrive, and to ensuring that Bangkok remains a vibrant hub for multilateral collaboration in the region."

At the heart of the commemoration was the unveiling of a special photo exhibition by the UN, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The exhibition features 30 stories from across the country, highlighting the resilience and creativity of people and communities whose efforts, with UN partnerships and programmes, are helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Among the featured stories are Salma Gadae from Yala, who found a second chance at education through the Learning Coin for Equitable Education initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Using digital tools and reading-based scholarships, she strengthened her Thai literacy and is now a youth leader preserving her community’s cultural heritage. Sarocha Kittisiripan, a social entrepreneur with visual impairment, founded PaperyBfly and produces inclusive podcasts with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Youth Co:Lab initiative, turning her personal journey into social innovation that creates jobs and challenges stereotypes. Sumitr Srivisut, a farmer and community leader from Nakhon Si Thammarat, applies sustainable farming techniques learned through collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to increase productivity and income while protecting natural resources and sharing knowledge within his community.

During the event, a fireside chat with these three individuals brought their experiences to the fore, offering reflections on Thailand’s journey toward the SDGs and the role of individual action in shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. The launch was attended by Member States representatives from the diplomatic corps, together with senior government officials, UN agencies, UN Goodwill Ambassadors, including Cindy Bishop and Alex Rendell, and partners from the private sector, civil society, and academia.

Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group, the UN’s event partner, reflected on the importance of collaboration across sectors, noting that the private sector plays a critical role in uniting stakeholders towards shared goals. “We believe real progress comes from unity, especially when the public and private sectors, the UN, and people everywhere work together to make life better and drive our world toward sustainable growth. As the creator of global destinations, we welcome millions of visitors each year and witness the power of collaboration firsthand. By supporting this UN Day exhibition, we embrace our role in inspiring collective action from each and every one of us to create a more sustainable and inclusive future together.”

The UN Day 2025 Exhibition “30 Stories, 17 Goals, One Road to 2030” is open to the public from 23 to 26 October 2025 at Siam Paragon (Living Hall, 3rd Floor). Visitors are invited to explore the 30 stories and reflect on how individual and collective actions are helping advance the SDGs and improve lives. This exhibition has been made possible in part through the support of Siam Piwat.