Opening Statement

by

H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow,

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

at the Asia - Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development,

The Head of State Chamber, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya, Chonburi

19 May 2014

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Madame Executive Secretary,

Ministers, Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

​On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand, I wish to extend a very warm welcome to all delegates to the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development.

​I hope that the atmosphere of Pattaya will provide a conducive setting for what I hope will be a free-flowing discussion and exchange of views on this important subject matter for which we have gathered here.

​It is indeed a pleasure for Thailand to host this major regional meeting which brings together delegates from throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As some of you may recall, Thailand had earlier taken the initiative of organizing jointly with ESCAP the regional dialogue on the UN Development Agenda beyond 2015 in August last year.

​It is therefore our hope that the outcome of this meeting in Pattaya will build upon that meeting in August and contribute substantively to the upcoming High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to be held in New York in July this year. We believe that such contributions will help advance the global process to formulate the Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

​We are now only about 18 months away from our goal of realizing the MDGs by 2015. At the same time, the effort to formulate a Post-2015 development framework is being intensified and gaining momentum. 

​We need to redouble our efforts and work even more closer together in the spirit of partnership as we move forward.

​Thailand strongly believes that the voice of Asia and the Pacific, comprising over half of the world population, need and must be heard and recognized, given the growing economic weight of this region in the world economy.  

​So far, Asia and the Pacific region as a whole has made great strides in reducing the levels of poverty and promoting better living standards of the peoples.

​Over the past years, this region has witnessed a sustained economic growth, growing wealth, better connectivity and closer economic integration.

 ​However, we must accept the fact that many challenges remain. As the recent joint report by ESCAP, ADB and UNDP pointed out, many countries in this region are still off track to realize the MDGs in areas like hunger, health and sanitation.

​About 743 million people in the region still live on less than $1.25 a day. And if the poverty benchmark is $2 a day, the number could rise up to as many as 1.64 billion.  

​This region is also facing a number of emerging challenges above and beyond the MDGs, such as rising inequality, unplanned urbanization, youth unemployment, ageing society, climate change, environmental degradation as well as food, energy and water security.  

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

​Taking this opportunity let me highlight the Thai Government's thinking and perspectives on the way forward with regard to the post-2015 Development Agenda:

​First, our meeting here should not only take stock of what has been achieved in realizing the MDGs but also take a step forward by clearly articulating the view of Asia and the Pacific on the transition from the MDGs to an inclusive and sustainable Post-2015 Development Agenda.

​Undoubtedly, there will be many “unfinished agenda” that will need to be carried over beyond the year 2015.

​At the same time, new and emerging challenges will also need to be given priority.

​For Thailand, some of the issues that should deserve closer attention are poverty eradication, inequality, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, better access to quality health care and universal health coverage, among others.  

​The challenge is how we set our goals in tackling these challenges so that they are reflected in specific, measurable and yet practical goals that will be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the peoples on the ground.

​Clearly, this is not an easy task. But Thailand believes that this region, if we unite and speak with one voice, can and must lead the way.

​Second, this is important point. Means of implementation are indispensable for achieving the full and effective realization of sustainable development, especially among developing countries. In this connection, we would like to emphasize the importance of science, technology and innovation, addressing digital divide, innovative means to mobilize financial resources and strengthening global partnership. We believe that the regional commission can play a constructive role in assisting member countries to gain better access to these means of implementation.

​Third, the Post-2015 Development Agenda should continue to take into account the special needs and interests of the developing countries, especially the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

​We need to forge a spirit of true global partnership, be they in the areas of international trade, investment, finance or development assistance.

​We need to strive towards a freer and fairer international trade regime in conjunction with greater regional integration and connectivity in a way that would give the developing countries greater market access and more investment opportunities.

​We should do more to ensure that the developing countries can have access to the needed capital, scientific and technological know-how, which would help empower them in their pursuit of the development goals.  

​Fourth, we need to promote regional cooperation as it would go a long way in complementing the global efforts. Here I am pleased to note that the ten Member States of ASEAN are taking the lead in this regard.

​As you well know, ASEAN is now about to become a Community by the end of 2015.

​At the same time, we are also looking ahead and working on the ASEAN Community's Post-2015 vision, which could include, among other things, a possibility of coming up with the so-called ASEAN Development Goals.

​Drawing inspiration from the MDGs, these ASEAN Development Goals would reflect the aspiration of being a people-centered ASEAN and hopefully provide an impetus to the realization of the agreed goals at the international level.

​And last, fifth, civil liberty, individual freedom, and democracy are fundamental enablers and development outcome in their own right. The advancement of civil liberty, individual freedom and democracy are essential for sustained and inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and hunger and the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Therefore, this interrelationship should be considered as a priority in the post-2015 development agenda.

As the world’s most populous region, Asia and the Pacific has much to earn and to learn from the post-2015 development agenda. The new set of development agenda must be people-centred and address the development priorities of Asia and the Pacific. Thailand expects to see a successful formulation of sustainable development goals and targets as well as the post-2015 development agenda. They will be truly universal if adopted by consensus.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

​I am sure that these are among the many important issues that you will be taking up in the course of your deliberations. As we begin preparations for the High Level Political Forum in New York, I would encourage you to be free and frank, and importantly, forward-looking in your discussions over the course of the next three days.

On this note, I hereby declare open the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. I wish all of you a fruitful and successful outcome that meets high expectations of our peoples.

And lastly, to remind you to take some time from your busy schedule to relax a bit and enjoy the attractions and excitements of Pattaya.

Thank you.

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