On 30 May 2023, Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), delivered her remarks in the capacity as Head of the Thai Delegation at the 21st Session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation. The Director-General stressed that South-South and triangular cooperation is an important strategy and policy for Thailand’s development cooperation to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to attain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thailand sees the upcoming SDG Summit in September 2023 as a pivotal moment to rescue the SDGs and accelerate our efforts to promote sustainable development including through South-South Cooperation.  Thailand aligns itself with the statement made by Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China that cooperation among the Global South is not a substitute for, but a complement to North-South Cooperation.  Strengthening and expanding cooperation among developing countries shall not reduce the ODA commitment of the developed countries.

The Director-General of TICA stated that Thailand’s contribution and approach to South-South and triangular cooperation include: (1) Thailand works closely with the United Nations, especially with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation; (2) Thailand advocates for South-South and triangular cooperation with countries of the Global South and traditional donors alike. Having experienced different stages of national development, Thailand recognizes the importance of international support and global partnerships to help overcome obstacles along the path to sustainable development; and (3) Local knowledge is also critical to the success of development cooperation.  Thailand embraces local wisdom (SEP for SDGs), technology, innovations, and BCG Economy Model. For long-term development resilience, Thailand focuses on the 4 pillars of human security – food, employment, health, and energy & environment.