A UN representative has called upon Thailand’s authorities, business sectors, and local populations to collaborate in order to secure the nation’s sustainable development for the future.
During a media event, Kanni Wignaraja, who serves as the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP, stated that these sectors of society should work together to guarantee inclusiveness.
She likewise offered her perspectives on Thailand’s advancement towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted that the nation still encounters difficulties in attaining certain objectives, particularly those concerning biodiversity conservation and enhancing the welfare of particular communities.
Last month, Ms. Wignaraja visited Thailand to take part in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, which took place from February 25th to 28th at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
While visiting, she also had meetings with multiple ministers, business delegates, and members of the local community.
She mentioned that Thailand, along with numerous other nations in the Asia-Pacific area, encounters difficulties concerning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to climate action, biodiversity preservation, and gender equality. She highlighted that women and girls are particularly impacted by environmental deterioration and contamination.
As she explained, when we address the interconnected challenges of climate change and natural disasters alongside the consequences of environmental degradation, waste management issues, and contamination, women and girls frequently face the most severe repercussions throughout all stages of life.
These challenges appear as problems related to education, employment, and fair compensation, impacting women and girls across all stages of their lives.
She emphasized that every sector should participate in a joint endeavor to promote inclusive development, with special attention to how environmental issues affect women and girls.
Ms. Wignaraja similarly urged Thailand to utilize its abundant biodiversity via strategies such as sustainability-linked finance. This would guarantee that investments focus on both environmental preservation and societal well-being, including areas like educational initiatives, social safety nets, and support for marginalized communities such as girls, women, and seniors.
“When working with policies related to financing, it’s crucial to examine how sustainable finance connects. Essentially, you leverage your natural resources and identify the sustainability indicators. The expense of obtaining loans for these natural assets must be factored in too. This applies regardless of whether you’re an individual household, a small business, or even at a national scale,” she explained.
She emphasized the significance of cooperation between the government and the private sector to bring about lasting transformation. She highlighted that major corporations should particularly assume accountability for their ecological footprint and play a role in restoring Thailand’s natural resources.
“Larger corporations bear significant responsibility to avoid causing damage to our planet and depleting natural resources, as well as to restore and enhance the environmental wealth that Thailand possesses,” stated Ms. Wignaraja. She further urged financial institutions and small business owners to participate in these collaborative initiatives.
She stated that government policies should focus on improving citizens’ daily lives and addressing their requirements. Adopting this strategy guarantees that progress is both fair and enduring.
While visiting Thailand, Ms. Wignaraja went to Phetchaburi where she observed the signing of an agreement between the UNDP and Phetchaburi province aimed at promoting bioeconomy initiatives that would advantage both communities and the environment.
Phetchaburi serves as an exemplary case of successful collaboration between public and private sectors for enhancing biodiversity, thanks to alliances formed among entities such as the UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, Krungthai Bank, and Onep. Additionally, this region holds recognition from UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy and boasts Kaeng Krachan National Park, which stands as a designated World Heritage site.
She pointed out Phetchaburi as a case where the government, enterprises, and local residents worked together to boost economic development while safeguarding the environment. Initiatives such as birdwatching tours and shrimp aquaculture in the province have contributed to equitable progress within the community.
Ms. Wignaraja stated that Thailand exemplifies how linking different industries can result in both wealth creation and environmental preservation. She pointed out that the distinct circumstances of each province present chances for novel ideas and advancement.
Thailand has implemented novel approaches within its policy development procedures to involve citizens in decision-making processes via the Thailand Policy Lab. Established by the National Economic and Social Development Council in partnership with the UNDP, this initiative seeks to foster inclusivity in tackling the nation’s intricate issues, particularly as Thailand progresses towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
“I observe a fresh enthusiasm and significant dedication from Thailand towards advancing the sustainable development goals,” she stated. “As these objectives become integrated into Thai policy, it’s essential that they prioritize the needs of individuals, taking into account their interconnectedness and changing circumstances. This approach ensures that all stakeholders—including businesses, municipal authorities, and global collaborators—are engaged in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).