H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, together with H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, will participate in the High-level Week of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) during 18-24 September 2023 in New York City, USA.

Prime Minister Srettha’s first mission abroad is set to:

(1) renew global confidence in Thailand as he will represent Thailand’s new democratically elected government at the United Nations’ yearly gathering of world leaders. His participation will ensure the international community of Thailand's stability, potential, and readiness to move forward and forge dynamic relations with all countries. Moreover, it will be an opportunity to present the new government’s policies, especially in the areas of economics, trade and investment, technology and innovation, and sustainable development.

(2) reaffirm Thailand's confidence in and support for global solidarity, as well as Thailand's commitment as a constructive and responsible UN Member State. Thailand calls for a balanced global agenda and the strengthening of the UN's role in addressing current and future challenges amidst polarization in today’s geopolitical landscape.

(3) accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to tackle the development crisis, inequality, climate change, as well as promote peace and well-being, good environment and universal health coverage.

During his trip to New York, Prime Minister Srettha will carry out UN-related functions, hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General, and CEOs of prominent US companies, as well as meet with the Thai community in New York and Team Thailand USA. At the UN, he will deliver Thailand’s national statements at the General Debate, the SDG Summit, and the Climate Ambition Summit. He will also deliver the opening remarks at the ASEAN event on sustainable development hosted by Thailand under the theme “Fostering Partnership for Our Common Future: Enhancing Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Accelerate the SDGs in ASEAN,” as Thailand serves as the ASEAN Coordinator in Sustainable Development Cooperation.

For the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he will participate in the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting of the Summit of the Future, which would set the stage for the Summit of the Future in 2024. He will also attend health-related meetings, such as the High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) and the High-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Furthermore, he will hold meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of various countries and the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the UNGA78 High-level Week, Thailand will also launch its campaign for the candidature of the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025-2027.

The UNGA78 stands at a critical moment in shaping the direction and future of the world. UN Member States are expected to take steps to restore confidence in the United Nations-centered multilateral system. They will also cooperate on enhancing its ability to better respond to and overcome crises that continue to create disparities between peoples and between developed and developing countries. The UNGA78 will be an opportunity for UN Member States to join forces and deliver concrete action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the timeline of which stands at more than the halfway mark. Member States will also look forward to chartering a new course for cooperation in areas such as the New Agenda for Peace, the Global Digital Compact, Outer Space, and Beyond GDP.

Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly session (PGA78) announced the following theme for UNGA78: “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity and sustainability for all”.