The European Union (EU), the Ministry of Interior (MOI), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the launch of the "Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand" project.
SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals.
With the EU funding, the initiative aims to accelerate Thailand's commitment to the 2030 Agenda by partnering with state and non-state actors, beginning with 15 selected provinces across Thailand, with plans to expand to other regions.
Sara Rezoagli, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Thailand, recently spoke at an event held to mark the launch of the project.
Key partners, government representatives, governors from the 15 pilot provinces, the private sector, civil society organisations, and other UN agencies were present.
They discussed best practices and enhance capacity building among local stakeholders to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.
"Today's complex global challenges require cooperation among all stakeholders. The commitment we see today from all partners is an excellent example of the importance of working together from a bottom-up approach starting right at the local level," she said. "The EU and its member states are ready to support Thailand and the UNDP in these efforts, which will contribute to Thailand's commitments towards the [SDGs]."
The project seeks to improve stakeholders' engagement in policy dialogues and gender-responsive SDG localisation as well as strengthen the EU-Thailand partnership towards achieving the SDGs, she said.
It also will leverage the joint commitment of the EU, MOI, UNDP, and the wider UN system to accelerate the SDGs, focusing on reaching local levels crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Suttipong Juljarern, permanent secretary for interior, said the "Strengthening SDG Localization in Thailand" project aims to improve the quality of life of people in local communities by enhancing cooperation between state and non-state actors and developing partnerships with various sectors to accelerate SDG achievement.
Mr Suttipong also stressed that the project will be a significant step towards sustainable development cooperation. It also confirms his ministry's commitment to implementing sustainable development goals in a localised approach that focuses on "understanding, accessibility, and development.
"In the future, the project may expand to cover all provinces in Thailand, in line with the spirit of '1 Province, 1 Pledge for Sustainable Thailand,' which aims to ensure that all people in the country can contribute to its stability, prosperity, and sustainability," he said.