On 19 May 2014, Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, was a panelist in a Preparatory Session for the 2014-Annual Ministerial Review of the Economic and Social Council during the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) in Pattaya.

The Deputy Director-General stressed that, despite changes in government, Thailand has continued our political commitment in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) since its adoption in 2000.  She stated that Thailand has been particularly successful in poverty reduction and reducing child mortality.  However, we are still facing challenges in addressing inequality and the management of our natural resources and efficient use of energy.

Regarding policies and measures to accelerate the achieving of MDGs, the DDG suggested that each country has its own context.  She highlighted H.M. King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, first introduced in 1975, which puts people at the center and has long guided Thailand’s development model.  The DDG proposed that in order to achieve sustainable development  we all need to invest in human capital, foster multi-stakeholder partnership and invest in the future. 

She reiterated that integration is key to successful sustainable development and the efforts must come from all stakeholders, including private sector and civil society.

Global Partnership is also a crucial enabler to help developing countries to achieve the MDGs and Thailand has long played an active role in promoting global partnership for development and remains committed to do so.

In the formulation of the post-2015 development agenda, the DDG emphasized that enjoyment of all stakeholders is key at the domestic, regional and international levels and no one should be left behind, the process and goals must be inclusive and promote equality, including gender equality.