Thai government agencies exchanged views with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Thailand on advancing sustainable development in Thailand under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The Meeting agreed to align the new cooperation framework outlining areas of cooperation between the United Nations and Thai agencies and stakeholders with the four development areas and 13 milestones of the draft 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) and supported Thailand’s BCG Economy Model to ensure the country builds back better and stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic, while adhering to the principle of “leaving no one behind”.

The consultation on the UNSDCF was organised by the Tripartite Committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the National Economic and Social Council (NESDC), and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), on 25 May 2021 via videoconference. More than 170 participants from government agencies and the United Nations joined the virtual consultation. At the opening session, the Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, the Deputy-Secretary-General of the NESDC, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator emphasised the importance of engaging government agencies and all stakeholders in shaping how the 22 members of the UNCT can support Thailand in achieving its development aspirations, including the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs). The UNSDCF will replace the current United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2017-2021 between the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations which is coming to an end this year.

The Tripartite Committee will convene another virtual consultation on the UNSDCF on 7 June 2021 to listen to the views of other stakeholders, such as civil society, academia, and the private sector. This inclusive process will ensure the UNSDCF truly corresponds to the interests of the Thai people.