Locations
SDG LOCALIZATION IN THAILAND
Project Summary
SDG localization can be used as a structure to enable bottom-up dialogues and provide a framework for local development policy, thereby encouraging greater participation that drive locally owned responses to inequalities at the community-based level. Thailand can benefit from a more integrated multi-level and multi-stakeholder approach to promote transformative agendas at the local level to better ensure that no one is left behind in the development process.
Background and Development Challenges
Thailand has recognized the importance of SDG localization and in 2019 the National Sustainable Development Council made it a priority area. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) are working in close collaboration to implement this decision. Nonetheless, COVID-19 and the climate crisis have slowed down the progress achieved towards the goals. Therefore, to acclerate peace and achieve the SDGs, Thailand is emphasising localizatoin of the SDGs.
Localizing the SDGs in Thailand is crucial since taking a bottom-up approach to achieve SDGs empowers local and regional governments as well as other stakeholders to actively engage in the process of planning, monitoring and implementation, as well as identifying gaps to achieve the SDGs which is specific to their location.
Challenges such as lack of accessible data, lack of awareness on SDGs and SDG localization and insufficient capacity on sustainable development at the local level can make this process challenging, which is some of the areas this project will aim to address to create opportunities to explore innovative ways to address different challenges that are currently hindering the process of localizing and implementing the SDGs at the sub-national level.
Objectives
This project aims to increase participation of all stakeholders at provincial level, provide them with the data and knowledge needed to advocate for change and be able to identify where there are gaps that needs to be filled, where to prioritize initiatives and how to find new and innovative ways to approach issues faced by each province. By capacitating civil society and local authorities to be more aware of and engaged in the SDG process, the aim is to create more ownership of the process at a sub-national level and ultimately improve the space to advocate for issues faced at local level and improve dialogue between rights holders and duty bearers, improve provincial development plans and connect local challenges and achievements to the national policies and the SDGs.
Signature Solutions: UNDP Strategic Plan 2020-2025
Poverty and Inequality
Governance
Resilience
Environment
Energy
Gender Equality
