Thailand marks 80 years of UN partnership with commitment to youth and future generations
BANGKOK, 22 June 2026 - Thailand is commemorating 80 years of United Nations membership by advancing its commitment toward the national implementation of the global Pact for the Future, with young people recognized as essential partners in building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.
Speaking to nearly 400 young leaders at a dialogue co-hosted by the Royal Thai Government and the UN, Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on eight decades of partnership while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing youth and future generations.
"Over the past 80 years, Thailand has remained a steadfast partner of the UN in advancing peace, sustainable development and human dignity. As we move from ambition to implementation under the Pact for the Future, we must strengthen cooperation that connects global commitments with local action and ensure that young people have a meaningful role in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future," he said.
Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, welcomed the milestone and highlighted the enduring value of multilateral cooperation in addressing shared global challenges, while encouraging young people to help shape the next chapter of Thailand's partnership with the United Nations.
"Thailand's eight-decade partnership with the United Nations demonstrates what can be achieved through international cooperation and a shared commitment to progress. But the next chapter is ours to write. Turning global commitments into meaningful results will require strong partnerships across governments, the private sector, civil society and communities. Above all, it will require the energy, creativity and leadership of young people," she said.
Themba Kalua, Director for Pact for the Future Implementation in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General briefed attendees on global progress on the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. He highlighted the Pact’s commitments to strengthen meaningful youth participation, embed long-term thinking in decision-making and support accelerated progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, including by leveraging the Pact in support of national priorities in Thailand.
“Future generations are not in the room to speak for themselves, but the choices we make today will shape the world they inherit,” he said. “Young people, however, are here now, and their voices, ideas, and leadership must be part of the decisions shaping their lives and the future of our societies.”
Ms. Lin Yang, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP, also welcomed participants, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and youth engagement in advancing sustainable development and the Pact for the Future.
Panel discussions at the event focused on critical issues shaping the futures of youth, including climate change, economic inequality, and rapid technological disruption. Speakers emphasized that policy execution must centre on the next generation.
The forum also featured diplomatic career talks and interactive exhibitions highlighting sustainable development initiatives led by UN agencies, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV).
Since joining the UN in 1946, Thailand has been a regional anchor for international cooperation across peace, security, development, and humanitarian action. To date, Bangkok is one of the largest global hubs of the UN outside its main headquarters.
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