On 26 September 2014, the Federal Republic of Germany and Gabon co-hosted a high-level luncheon on “Poaching and Illicit Wildlife Trafficking – Towards Joint Action by the International Community” on the sidelines of the 69^th UN General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event brought together many Heads of State and Government, high-level representatives and senior officials of international organizations and non-governmental organizations.  Among the participants were President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and Ambassador Sam Kutesa, the current President of the UN General Assembly. The discussion was moderated by Mr. John Scanlon, the Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

          The event called on the international community to take action against wildlife crime. Poaching and illegal wildlife trade is a major biodiversity problem, a transnational crime and a threat to global peace and security.  Consequently, it requires high-level political will across the world to stop illegal wildlife trafficking and combat organized crime networks.

           At the event, Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, affirmed Thailand’s commitment to prevent, combat and eradicate illegal wildlife trafficking. He also emphasized that as a party to CITES, Thailand will submit a revised National Ivory Action Plan (NIAP) to the Secretariat by 30 September 2014 and reiterated Thailand’s willingness to extend full cooperation to CITES actions.  Actions and measures being implemented under the Thailand’s revised NIAP include increasing intelligence and customs cooperation with foreign countries, strictly enforcing the current legal frameworks and enactment of national legislation and regulations to effectively control of the ivory trade in Thailand.   Mr. Gongsakdi ended his remarks by clearly stating Thailand‘s intention in becoming a member of the Group of Friends on Poaching and Illicit Wildlife Trafficking at its next meeting.