Sustainability key to economy, says PM

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday told the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 76) that Thailand is prioritising sustainable development as part of its post-Covid-19 economic recovery efforts.

Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered a statement via a teleconference at the UNGA 76 session held under the theme "Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Moment)".

He emphasised the adoption of the sufficiency economy philosophy and the promotion of a bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model at the UNGA 76's general debate as a way forward post-pandemic.

The Thai government, together with sectors concerned, continues to drive sustainable development under the sufficiency economy philosophy, he said, adding that Thailand has formulated a 20-year national strategy to implement related policies and utilize a budget focussed on outcomes that lead to sustainable development.

Gen Prayut emphasised the three major targets to achieve the SDGs.

He said first it is about the promotion of quality of life and well-being for people of all ages. The pandemic underscores the importance of a strong public healthcare system, which he said is needed to ensure self-reliance during times of crisis for all Thai people, especially the elderly, a group that is rapidly increasing in population.

Second, it is to build back the economy through a "balance of all things" approach. A BCG economy will be a driver for sustainable and environmentally-friendly development of industries on the basis of scientific advancement, technology, and innovation, he said.

Gen Prayut said the third focus point for the country was inequality elimination and digital literacy development. As part of this is to help unlock people's potential and use the Thai People Map and Analytics Platform data system that will help the government better identify impoverished communities and understand their problems.

The PM said the cooperation and integrative effort of all sectors, be it public, private, or people sectors, are needed to achieve the SDGs.