Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the United Nations in New York are scheduled to visit Thailand during 29 July – 2 August 2024 at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The objective of this visit is to strengthen relations between Thailand and SIDS at bilateral and multilateral levels through cooperation on sustainable development and human rights and the enhancement of “Friends of Thailand” network in the United Nations. It is also a good opportunity for Thailand to campaign for its Human Rights Council (HRC) candidature for the term 2025 - 2027.

The highlights of the program of visit are (1) study visits to Thailand’s various sustainable development and human rights projects in Bangkok and other provinces (2) a roundtable discussion to exchange views on human rights matters, which are of mutual concern for Thailand and SIDS, and a workshop to discuss the outcomes of the study visits and share recommendations for further cooperation between Thailand and SIDS with an aim to address the specific needs of SIDS and (3) a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand on 2 August 2024 at the Ministry.

SIDS comprise 39 countries, accounting for one-fifth of the United Nations Member States. This visit serves as an opportunity for Thailand to present its vision and best practices on sustainable development and human rights, as well as to reaffirm Thailand’s determination and readiness to working closely with all countries and all sectors, through constructive engagement.  In this regard, Thailand wishes to foster a positive working relations with SIDS, as Thailand’s important partner, to advance work on sustainable development and human rights, especially if Thailand is elected as an HRC member.