UNDP urges Thais to unite for a sustainable future

Collective effort needed to address challenges which prevent Thailand from achieving inclusive growth for all stakeholders, writes Poramet Tangsathaporn

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Thailand's government, private sector, and communities have been urged by a United Nations official to work together to ensure the kingdom's sustainable future.

In a media session, Kanni Wignaraja, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said these areas of society must also collaborate to ensure inclusivity.

She also shared her insights on Thailand's progress toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), noting the country continues to face challenges in achieving specific goals, such as those related to biodiversity and the well-being of specific groups.

Ms Wignaraja was in Thailand last month to participate in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, held between Feb 25 and 28 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.

During her visit, she also met several ministers, business representatives, and people in local communities.

She said Thailand, like many other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, faces challenges in SDGs related to climate action, nature conservation, and gender equality, emphasising how women and girls are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and pollution.

"When you combine the issues of climate change and natural disasters and look at the impacts of environmental degradation, waste management problems, and pollution-women and girls, at every stage of their lives, are often the hardest hit," she said.