LocationsEU and UNDP Scale SDG Achievement in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces
April 1, 2026
Narathiwat–Pattani, Thailand, 26 March 2026 — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with leaders from the Ministry of Interior, strengthened partnerships with provincial partners in the southern border provinces to support SDG achievement through the second phase of the SDG Localisation Project.
The first phase of the project supported progress on the global goals by making them relevant to communities across Thailand, addressing a critical gap by providing provincial SDG data for the first time through ‘SDG Profiles’ developed for 15 provinces. Through the EU-UNDP partnership, and in collaboration with UN-Habitat under the Joint SDG Fund, development risks and opportunities were identified—recognising that each province is unique. This has enabled a clearer understanding to inform more targeted support and investment.
The second phase now focuses on translating data into action. Strengthening human security has emerged as a priority in the southern border provinces, with opportunities in sustainable tourism, climate action, cross-border trade, and women’s economic empowerment. By better understanding each province’s unique risks and opportunities, the partnership is enabling more targeted support and investment to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
“In the second phase of our partnership with UNDP, we are going deeper—working closely with provinces to translate data into action. The southern border provinces are critical, where targeted investments can unlock inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Audrey-Anne Rochelemagne, First Secretary, EU Delegation to Thailand
In Phase II, Narathiwat is advancing its SDG data and planning by developing a Voluntary Provincial Review (VPR), capturing both data and people’s perspectives to inform provincial investment and policy action. The province is also among five targeted provinces receiving support for community-driven solutions aligned with priorities identified in its SDG Profile.
One such initiative is led by ‘Rurak Samakkee Narathiwat’, a civil society organisation supported through the project to strengthen sustainable tourism by revitalising Narathiwat Old Town. The initiative supports livelihoods and preserves cultural heritage, while reshaping perceptions of the province and creating new pathways for local economic growth.
Meanwhile, Pattani—one of the 15 provinces that developed its SDG Profile in Phase I—is advancing action on climate risks as a coastal province with livelihoods closely tied to fisheries. Insights from the SDG Profile are informing efforts to scale investment and policy action on climate resilience. During the field mission, the EU, UNDP, and local authorities engaged with coastal communities around Pattani Bay to understand the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and livelihoods, strengthening locally grounded climate responses.
The EU–UNDP SDG Localisation Project demonstrates how global goals translate into local action—connecting communities, local governments, and partners to deliver development that responds to real needs on the ground.
“Our partnership with the European Union advances three critical factors for SDG achievement in Thailand: local leadership, targeted action where it matters, and aligned resources,” said Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand. “In the southern border areas, this means strengthening human security by linking climate resilience, livelihoods, and inclusive economic opportunities in a context shaped by cross-border dynamics.”
Through the EU–UNDP partnership, efforts continue to support Thailand’s SDG action beyond Bangkok—strengthening climate and nature action, scaling investment for the SDGs, and working to expand civic space for those at risk of being left behind. Together, these efforts support people and institutions to shape a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.