
Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Communities for All under the initiative Urban Renaissance: Empowering Thailand’s Low-Income Communities on the Global Stage. This conference, held at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok, was led by Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS, who delivered a keynote address to local and international delegates.
The conference serves as a platform for showcasing and exchanging best practices in urban and housing development, with a focus on low-income and slum communities. It aims to elevate MSDHS’s proactive role in regional urban development, positioning Thailand as a leader in the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 11, specifically Target 11.1. Participants included representatives from housing and urban development organisations, community networks across the Asia-Pacific, and policymakers from government, private sector, academia, and civil society in Thailand.
In his address, Mr. Anukul stated, “This conference presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Urban October and World Cities Day on 31 October, highlighting the pivotal role of youth as change agents for sustainable, inclusive cities. Today, regional partners come together to discuss housing as a fundamental need, underpinning security and quality of life. Providing accessible housing, especially for vulnerable groups, is a core mission of MSDHS, particularly in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world, where demographic shifts and climate change underscore the importance of housing security. The United Nations has reported that over 1.8 billion people globally lack stable housing, with rapid urbanisation challenging the Asia-Pacific region. To address this, MSDHS has launched a long-term housing policy to ensure all Thais have quality, secure housing by 2036.”
This conference offers an invaluable chance for knowledge exchange on urban development, housing solutions, and community resilience across nations. “Let us collaborate to ensure housing security for all. I encourage all attendees to share insights and contribute towards a future where secure housing and sustainable communities are a reality for everyone,” Mr. Anukul added.
Additionally, conference participants heard messages from UN-Habitat in observance of World Habitat Day and Urban October. The agenda included expert lectures, youth-led discussions, plenary sessions with Asia-Pacific representatives, a field visit to urban renewal sites in Bangkok, and exhibitions on MSDHS strategies and policies addressing urban challenges. Of particular note was the Ministry’s flagship 5X5 Crisis Policy, which addresses Thailand’s demographic changes through collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing family security and providing accessible housing for all.
The insights and innovations shared at this conference are expected to be further disseminated at the upcoming 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. This global forum will provide a platform for delegates to share best practices in urban and housing development, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable communities and ensuring no one is left behind.
