SDG Localization Project to accelerate Thailand’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda

From Global Goals to Local Action: Strengthening Local development to reach the Global targets

April 27, 2023
MOI, EU and UNDP representatives together with 15 Governors

Representatives from EU, MOI, UNDP and 15 Governors at the commencement of the SDG Localization Project

Bangkok, Thailand, 28 April 2023: The European Union (EU), the Ministry of Interior (MOI), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the launch of the ‘Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand’ project. With the EU-funding, the initiative aims to accelerate Thailand's commitment to the 2030 Agenda by partnering with state and non-state actors, beginning with 15 selected provinces across Thailand, with plans to expand to other regions after successful implementation.

                                                              

An event held today marked the launch of the project, with key partners, government representatives, governors from the 15 pilot provinces, the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other UN agencies in attendance to discuss best practices and enhance capacity building among local stakeholders to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. 

 

Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union addressing the gathering

Ms. Sara Rezoagli, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand at the project launch event

Ms. Sara Rezoagli, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Thailand noted, “Today’s complex global challenges require cooperation among all stakeholders. The commitment we see today from all partners is an excellent example of the importance of working together from a bottom-up approach starting right at the local level. The EU and its Member States are ready to support Thailand and the UNDP throughout these collaborative efforts, which will contribute to Thailand’s commitments towards the realization of the Sustainable Development goals.”

The ‘Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand’ project seeks to improve stakeholders’ engagement in policy dialogues and gender-responsive SDG localization as well as strengthen the EU-Thailand partnership towards achieving the SDGs. To enhance EU-Thailand support and promote further alignment between interests, policies, principles, and values, the EU-Thailand Cooperation Facility will support the initiative. The project will leverage the joint commitment of the EU, Ministry of Interior, UNDP, and the wider UN system to accelerate the SDGs, focusing on reaching local levels, crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda, including all stakeholders, especially those at risk of being left behind.
 

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior at the event

Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior addressing the gathering

Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, delivered the keynote speech, stating, "The ‘Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand’ project aims to improve the quality of life of people in local communities by enhancing cooperation between state and non-state actors and developing partnerships with various sectors to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs."

Mr. Sutthipong also stressed that the 'Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand' project, which is being led by the Ministry of Interior, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme in 15 pilot provinces, will be a significant step towards sustainable development cooperation. It also confirms the Ministry of Interior's commitment to implementing sustainable development goals in a localized approach that focuses on “understanding, accessibility, and development.” In the future, the project may expand to cover all provinces in Thailand, in line with the spirit of "1 Province, 1 Pledge for Sustainable Thailand," which aims to ensure that all people in the country can contribute to its stability, prosperity, and sustainability.

The project aims to improve stakeholders’ engagement through three key outcomes; evidence-based integrated data on development (SDG data), means of implementation, building an eco-system towards sustainable development planning at the provincial level through a whole-of-society approach, and identifying development issues that require resources from stakeholders.
 

UNDP Resident Representative makes his remarks

Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Thailand making his remarks

Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Thailand, stated, "As the ‘SDGs integrator’ within the UN system, UNDP offers technical and financial assistance to tackle complex development challenges at the subnational level, to strengthen the local integrated governance, ensuring no one is left behind while safeguarding the progress achieved towards the SDGs."

The ‘Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand’ project will promote engagement and collaboration between the 15 governors from the pilot provinces and provide strategic guidance for its implementation. The project's launch event provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise among the participating provinces, the EU, UNDP and other UN Agencies, and wider representatives from various sectors. By coming together, partners solidified their commitment to this initiative to help advance Thailand's ability to have bottom-up dialogues and establish a framework for local development policies, especially in ensuring that the SDG Localization Project is most relevant to the dynamic context of the country.


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For more information, please contact: 
Arachapon Nimitkulpon, Project Manager, UNDP Thailand |arachapon.nimitkulpon@undp.org |Mobile: +6694192828

Thanaporn Saleephol, Press and Information Officer, Delegation of the EU to Thailand  |thanaporn.saleephol@eeas.europa.eu  Mobile: +6681-255-7482