On 30-31 May 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Human Security Conference on “Implementing a Human Security Approach to Realize the Sustainable Development Goals”.

As part of Thailand’s Chairmanship of the Human Security Network, this Conference was organised to provide a forum for policy-makers, public and private sectors, civil society as well as regional and international organisations and the United Nations system to share their experiences and best practices in applying the human security approach, with its emphasis on a people-centered security response, at the national, regional, and international levels, and further discuss on how to apply the human security approach to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

On 31 May 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand hosted the Conference which was presided over by Ms.Pornprapai Ganjananarintr , Director-General of Department of International Organization. Over 100 international and Thai participants from various agencies attended this Conference.

The panelists underscored the importance of the human security approach that is people-centered and highlighted the political, economic, and social challenges to which all sectors of society must work together to find a solution. People’s empowerment is the key for resilience in times of crises. This reflects the complementarity between the human security approach and   the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, both of which place emphasis on well-being and dignity of people at the centre of their agenda as well as inclusiveness. As a way forward,  the panelists highlighted that inclusive cooperation, education and empathy are important elements to further promote human security.

Prior to the Conference, on 30 May 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led a field study trip for representatives of the Advisory Board on Human Security, the Human Security Unit of the United Nations, panelists, as well as diplomatic missions based in Bangkok to Bang Pu Nature Education Center in Samut Prakan Province. The centre provides educational activities to raise awareness of children and youth on the protection of the environment. This was followed by a visit to the “Koiruttakwa Community”, a Learning Centre for Sufficiency Economy in Nong Chok district. These two projects, with the aim to promote people’s empowerment  and the strengthening of community’s resilience, demonstrate ways to address the adverse effects of industrialisation and urbanisation.