Resident Coordinator's Remarks for UN-Civil Society Dialogue on Climate, Biodiversity & Gender

Distinguished civil society representatives, UN colleagues and young change makers.

Let me begin by welcoming you all to the UN Conference Center for this important dialogue with civil society on climate, biodiversity, and gender equality.

This is the second time the UNCT has come together with civil society for such a dialogue to discuss issues central to the country’s transformation.  

This dialogue comes at a time of change for the country and is an opportunity to strengthen civic spaces as we accelerate the SDGs.

It is an absolute pleasure to have WWF Thailand, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Enlaw co-convening this event as their work underpins today’s agenda.

Also, here with us today are UN agencies, which provides a safe space for a frank dialogue to further deepen our partnership.

As you know, we are at the midpoint to the 2030 Agenda, yet only 12% of SDGs are on track globally.

In Thailand, progress has been more robust with nearly half of the indicators on track. However, this means the other half need acceleration, including climate- and gender-related goals.

Adding to the challenges are the multiple global crises from economic slowdowns to disruptions in supply chains and rising geopolitical tensions.

This is happening against a backdrop of accelerating climate change.

As the Secretary General has noted, the aim of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees is going up in smoke. Instead, we will see a much starker rise with grave consequences for people, planet, and the economy.

Addressing these challenges will require multilateral endeavors by all stakeholders predicated on solidarity and a unity of purpose.

This will call for integrated, interrelated, and interdependent solutions through deepening partnerships between Governments, the private sector and civil society, complementing each other’s work.

They also require front lining young people into decision-making to tap into their drive, innovative spirit, and creative energies, as custodians of the future.  

The right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment has been recognized as a universal human right by the General Assembly.

However, we cannot leave it to governments alone to provide the solutions.

Civil society must play an important and legitimate role as they bring to bear multifaceted local and grassroots approaches to policies informed by a diversity of voices, especially those who are the most vulnerable.

These include ethnic minorities and disadvantaged people, marginalized populations living on the fringes of protected forests, conservation areas and national parks.

Each of you here today bring a unique perspective based on your relationships of trust with communities nationwide.

We at the UN want to hear directly from you to integrate your voices into UN strategies in responding to challenges faced by environment and human rights defenders, civil society, and young people in relation to climate, biodiversity loss and gender inequality.

The Secretary General has emphasized the importance of deep listening and today’s engagement will enable the UNCT to do just that.

In our engagements with civil society, we are adopting a whole-of-UN approach.

Each of the 21 agencies as part of the UNCT have their respective mandates, but their work reinforces each another’s through intersecting priorities and areas of operation.

OHCHR advocates for positive change through a human rights-based approach.

UNEP works to protect and restore biodiversity.

UN Women and UNFPA champions the rights of girls and women.

UNICEF generates knowledge on the impact of climate change on children.

UNDP offers a deeply localized worldview as an integrator with extensive relationships at the grassroots level.

FAO and ITC support sustainable agriculture, which directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of 12 million farmers.

UNESCO supports inclusivity through education, climate action, and biosphere protection.

WHO works to strengthen health systems and promote meaningful participation to achieve universal health coverage.

It is this comprehensive value-add of the UN in our engagement with civil society that make you and us close and invaluable partners.

Today’s dialogue is only the beginning with many more to follow on these and other critical issues.

As you may recall, our first dialogue last year was on the draft NPO bill, which provided the UN with actionable insights.

I am looking forward to hearing from civil society representatives after the breakout groups as they identify actions for collective advocacy in support of this agenda.

I am also looking forward to UN agencies further deepening their entry points for transformative partnerships.

Thank you.