Country Statement
by
H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow,
Permanent Secretary, Acting for the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Kingdom of Thailand,
at the General Debate of the High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2014
on 7 July 2014, United Nations, New York City
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Mr. Chairman,

1. We are meeting at a crucial juncture – where we are making both a final push to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and generating momentum in identifying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. We must ensure continuity in the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs and, at the same time, also ensure that the SDGs address new challenges.

3. While consultation on the SDGs has been ongoing in New York, we want to see this process be as inclusive as possible. Inputs from the different regions are, therefore, important.

4. For this reason, Thailand hosted two regional consultations on sustainable development, which we believe have made substantive contributions to the ongoing process in New York. Among the many issues discussed, the common themes that emerged from the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) include poverty eradication, narrowing inequality, and inclusive growth, all of which we believe should be at the heart of the post-2015 development agenda.

5. We should begin to forge greater consensus on these issues in the lead up to next year’s Summit.

6. Taking this opportunity, I wish to present to you Thailand’s perspective on what we see as the underlying, cross-cutting issues fundamental to the formulation and implementation of the SDGs.

7. First, we must adopt a people-centred approach to development. We must, therefore, identify issues that make a direct impact on, and a true difference to, the lives of people on the ground. For Thailand, our development approach draws inspiration from His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. By emphasizing the principles of moderation, resilience and reasonableness, this Philosophy makes sustainability possible in all aspects of peoples’ lives.

8. Second, we must adopt a rights-based approach to development to ensure equality, equity, and accessibility for all. Indeed, we must ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind by the wayside. This is why Thailand strongly advocates the inclusion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the post-2015 development agenda.

9. Third, we must emphasize the importance of partnership, both at the regional and global levels, in enhancing the means of implementation. Such partnership should be intensified in the areas of science, technology and innovation (STI), financial resources, and capacity building. Public-private partnership is also crucial in this respect.

10. Fourth, our new development framework must provide leeway for individual countries’ national efforts since there is no one-size-fits-all approach. So we must also seek to enhance national capacities to implement the SDGs, especially from the standpoint of good governance, accountability, rule of law, and strong institutions. Monitoring should be based on measurable indicators as well as both aggregated and disaggregated data to ensure that vulnerable groups are taken into account.

11. Fifth, disaster risk reduction is an important end in itself as well as a development issue. After all, disasters improperly managed, can unravel the development gains achieved. So we believe that disaster risk reduction should be integrated into the post-2015 development agenda.

12. Indeed, development must seek to minimize the risks from disasters, especially resulting from climate change or by way of policies to promote green economies. Climate change and disaster management should be coherently addressed in the SDGs.

13. And because disaster is a common threat for the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand hosted the Sixth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) in Bangkok two weeks ago. The region is seeking to integrate disaster risk reduction into economic development plans.

14. Sixth and last, but certainly not least, development cannot take place without peace and security, democracy, and respect for human rights.

15. Thailand, for our part, and despite the political changes, continues to remain fully committed to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. We now have a Road Map to promote national reconciliation, political reform, and the holding of general elections – all to strengthen our democratic institutions. Towards this end, we seek the support and understanding of our friends and partners as we endeavor to consolidate our democracy.

16. Thank you, Chairman.