Thailand presented the BCG Economy Model as a path for the region’s socio-economic recovery in the post Covid-19 era at the 77th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), held on 26-29 April 2021. The session was held under the theme “Building Back Better through Regional Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific”.

Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ESCAP, delivered Thailand’s statement emphasising the importance for all countries to accelerate their actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. In this regard, he reiterated that Thailand has introduced the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model as a sustainable and inclusive approach for socio-economic development in the post COVID-19 era. He also urged countries to strengthen Universal Health Coverage to promote inclusive access to healthcare services, integrate the health dimensions in disaster risk management as guided by the Bangkok Principles for the implementation of the health aspects of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), as well as reinforce multilateralism in response to regional challenges.

Officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Interior, the National Statistical Office, and the Department of International Organizations, joined representatives from 52 other ESCAP Member States in exchanging views, experiences, ways and means that would lead to the Asia-Pacific’s recovery from COVID-19 and enhanced capacity to cope with future crises. Thailand took this opportunity to promote the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and the sharing of locally-driven development approaches in the region that would foster balanced, inclusive and sustainable development. Thailand also emphasised the importance of trade, economic, transport and digital connectivity; creating sustainability by promoting growth that is environment and climate responsive; and strengthening social protection with a view to leaving no one behind. Cognizant that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, Thailand expressed its resolve and readiness in further providing assistance to these countries through South-South and triangular cooperation.

The 53 ESCAP Member States adopted the only resolution of the session titled “Regional cooperation to build back better from crises in Asia and the Pacific”. The resolution was proposed by Thailand to further advance partnerships within the region in building back better from the COVID-19 crisis and achieving the 2030 Agenda. The resolution received strong support from Member States and seven countries, namely, China, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, co-sponsored the resolution.