The Prime Minister of Thailand gave an opening remarks at the 77th Session of ESCAP and reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to enhance partnership with other Member States in building back better and more resilient from the COVID-19 crisis, shared Thailand’s development path for a balanced, resilient and sustainable recovery through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, and emphasized the importance of integrating the “Bangkok Principles” on the implementation of the health aspects of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction into disaster response.

On 26 April 2021, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Thailand gave a pre-recorded opening remarks at the 77th Session of ESCAP and emphasized the need for Member States and all stakeholders to strengthen regional partnerships in their efforts to recover better and stronger, more resilient to future disasters, opposing discrimination, prejudice and violence against any race or gender while leaving no one behind. The Prime Minster stressed the importance of shifting the economic development approach towards one that is more balanced, sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

The BCG Economy Model was also presented as a development path that Thailand is pursuing for sustainable growth. Moreover, the Prime Minister encouraged Member States to give particular importance to three aspects, namely: (1) strengthening health systems, including through promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and integrating the “Bangkok Principles” in disaster response and management; (2) reinforcing social protection; and (3) promoting economic and digital connectivity to reduce inequalities among countries.

The 77th Session of ESCAP was held under the theme “Building Back Better through regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific”, and took place virtually due to the pandemic from 26 to 29 April 2021. In their remarks, Heads of States and Governments from 17 countries shared their vision on the way forward to sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The annual Commission session is also an important opportunity for Thailand to share its experience on recovery efforts, its views on economic and social development in the post-COVID-19 era, as well as explore ways to further strengthen regional cooperation for better recovery after the crisis.

To watch the opening remarks >> click here

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