LocationsEU and UNDP Support Thailand in Driving Local Action to meet Global Sustainable Development Goals
September 9, 2025
UNDP, EU, Ministry of Interior together with the government and civil society partners marked the new chapter of SDG Localisation.
Bangkok, 10 September 2025 – Thailand marked a new chapter in its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) today with the launch of a new European Union (EU) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnership on local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) action.
Governors and Deputy Governors from eight provinces – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Bangkok, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Rayong and Sa Kaeo – spoke at the forum in Bangkok today to pledge their commitment to drive local SDG action on issues from sustainable tourism, clean air, community resilience, and gender-inclusive data. They joined with European Union, UNDP, public and private representatives to explore how Thailand can reach the global goals.
In collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior, the project, “Strengthening SDG Localisation in Thailand” will help provincial and local governments’ to tackle complex development challenges, generate better data, align resources with the SDGs, and empower more people to get involved in local development.
Mr. Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Minister of Interior, speaking at the launch of this new phase of SDG localization.
“Local administrations are at the heart of Thailand’s sustainable development journey. Through SDG-L 2.0, we reaffirm Thailand’s strong commitment to advancing the SDGs by strengthening the bridge between national priorities and local realities. By supporting provincial governors and local authorities with the tools and capacities to turn the SDGs into concrete action, Thailand will accelerate progress at home while also serving as a regional model for sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Santithorn Yimlamai, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Minister of Interior, speaking at the launch of this new phase of SDG localization.
Ms. Sara Rezoagli, Chargée d’Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union to Thailand
“The European Union is delighted to continue our support for SDG localisation in Thailand in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and UNDP.This partnership demonstrates that together with international and local stakeholders, Thailand’s local governments are in a driving force in scaling local action for more sustainable and inclusive Thailand that leave no one behind.” said Ms. Sara Rezoagli, Chargée d’Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union to Thailand.
Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand
“This new chapter of our EU-UNDP partnership with Thailand is about turning SDG insights into SDG investments that focus on leaving no-one behind. We will work together to enhance local data, design integrated projects, and surface innovative financing solutions, making it easier for public and private partners to invest in the SDGs across Thailand,” said Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand.
National data show that Thailand made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past decade, with its performance on SDG 1: No Poverty on track to meet 2030 SDG targets. The benefits of this progress are not yet shared by all, however. According to Thailand’ first provincial SDG profiles, produced with support of EU and UNDP, each region faces distinct sustainable development challenges. Accelerating SDG progress requires looking beneath national averages to support tailored local action.
More information on Thailand’s journey to the SDGs, including 15 Provincial SDG profiles, is available here: https://www.undp.org/thailand/publications/sdg-profiles-15-pilot-provinces-thailand
For more information:
Pan Piyasil, Project Manager, SDG Localisation
pan.piyasil@undp.org
Karnklon Raktham, Head of Communications
Karnklon.raktham@undp.org
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About UNDP: UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. We support countries and communities as they work to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We advocate for transformative change, and we connect countries to the resources they need to help people build a better life. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
About European Union (EU): The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
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