Intervention by H.E. Mr. Apichart Chinwanno, Ambassador of Thailand to France
at the UNDG High Level Event
"From Global Conversation to Global Action: Making the SDGs Work"
Conference Room 4 , UNGA Building
25 September 2015

1. Thailand welcomes the adoption of the document “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” which will chart a new course for sustainable development for the world. Having gone through an arduous process of negotiating the SD agenda, we must “walk the talk”.

2. Translating SDGs into action in the next 15 years will be a challenging task which requires herculean efforts. Years of negotiations become meaningless if countries are still lagging behind in meeting the targets. What seems critical to us are means of implementation and meaningful support through multi-stakeholder partnership.

3. I wish to highlight a few key points to narrow the gaps between what is available and what is still needed to achieve the SDGs.

4. First, a transformative agenda requires a transformation of institution and the way we do business. We cannot change what we cannot measure.  Therefore, capacity building in the area of statistical capability is indispensable. All countries need to develop indicators of where they stand.  Statistics can also help track progress in achieving the SDGs. This is where assistance from the UN Development System both at the regional and national levels would be of great value .

5. Second, developed countries ought to fulfill their official development assistance (ODA) commitments to the weakest and most vulnerable. In spite of their best efforts, the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS still need a big helping hand. Furthermore, assistance in infrastructure building, human resource development, and transfer of knowledge and know-how, especially in the areas of science, technology, ICT and innovation are essential for sustainable development.

6. Third, financing for development can come in many forms. Each country must learn to finance its own development through improved method of tax collection and greater fiscal discipline.  More public private partnership for development should be encouraged.  Innovative financing for development such as tax incentives to encourage private investment in green economy and internet-based voluntary contribution should be explored.

7. Each country must find a way that best suits itself in realizing the agenda.  Thailand’s owes its development success of the past 5 decades largely to His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy which has served as our guiding principle.  This philosophy centers on people and espouses moderation, prudence and resilience against uncertainties as well as internal and external shocks. It cautions against overconsumption and the relentless pursuit of materialism.  Essentially, it is a call to avoid excess and to live in harmony with nature. 

8. Thailand has just set up the National Committee on Sustainable Development, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Committee will ensure that sustainable development is mainstreamed into policies and plans of all line agencies.  It will also oversee the implementation of the SDGs at the national level.

9.  Let me conclude by saying that it is the shared responsibility of all countries and stakeholders, including the private sector and UN system, to ensure that no one is left behind. We must assist each country with appropriate means of implementation and strengthen partnership to ensure that sustainable development goals are within reach of every country.

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