The event convened governors from 76 provinces and Bangkok, governmental agencies, state enterprises, local authorities, private sectors, academia, and civil society, totaling 400 participants, to acknowledge and discuss the key challenges of each province that hinder the SDG achievement process as identified in the SDG profiles, to accelerate Thailand’s progress towards the SDGs by 2030. Additionally, the event was broadcasted via online live stream through a media partnership with THE STANDARD to promote the SDG profiles widely with the general public.

With funding from the European Union, the SDG profiles have been developed as a robust tool designed to enhance understanding of the alignment between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provincial development strategies. This tool leverages analysis of open data sources from 15 pilot provinces and incorporates opinions from local communities, CSOs, private sectors, and academia to provide comprehensive insights. Recognizing that different sectors face unique challenges, the SDG Profiles utilize the SDGs as a foundational framework and shared indicator mechanisms to demonstrate how local initiatives contribute to the broader SDG agenda.

The 15 SDG profiles reveal a diverse array of challenges and progress across different regions. Common themes include the urgent need for enhanced climate action, with several regions facing natural disasters such as floods and droughts, and the necessity for improved data collection regarding SDG 5 Gender Equality and SDG 10 Reduced Inequality, to develop in economic social and environmental aspects inclusively. Although each profile underscores unique findings but collectively they provide a comprehensive overview of the state of sustainable development in Thailand.

“The implementation of this EU-UNDP Strengthening the SDG Localization initiative clearly demonstrates the necessity of transitioning from global to local. Local governments play a key role in translating the ambitious vision of the SDGs into concrete actions that directly benefit people in local communities. The EU's partnership with Thailand is grounded in our mutual commitment to accelerating the SDGs' implementation and achieving transformative change by 2030,” remarked H.E. Mr. David Daly, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand.

UNDP

H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasized, “This project kickstarted the implementation of the SDGs at the local level. One of its key achievements is the establishment of a cross-departmental cooperation mechanism and partnerships among central and local government, international organizations, the private sector, CSOs, academia, and the media. Increased networking and dialogue on sustainable development have become more prominent, leading to local SDG discussions at the policy level, in line with the principles of the Sufficiency Economy. The Ministry of Interior is committed to continuously expanding these achievements to all citizens and households.”

UNDP

The event not only celebrated the successful completion of the first phase of the SDG Localization project but also underscored ongoing commitment and strategic direction for Thailand’s sustainable future. This vision was echoed by 15 provincial governors, led by Mr. Suttipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary for Interior, stating, “Today, we gather with a strong commitment to being responsible global citizens that is responsible for our one world. We are delighted to be a part of this journey. Under the strong support of our partners and network, we intend to pass on our one world to the future generations. By taking action together or “Localizing the SDGs,” it guarantees that this generation and the next will continue to be responsible citizens who are committed to "Change for Good" for our country and the world.”

In the vision sharing session, Phuket, Chiangmai, Surat Thani, Bangkok, and Pattani are addressing the challenge of aligning tourism growth with environmental preservation and climate change adaptation. Meanwhile, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phetchaburi which have abundance provincial resources, emphasize the importance of balancing natural resource allocation with preserving forests and ecosystems. For Udon Thani, Songkla, and Narathiwat provinces, they are groups of provinces that are all at risk of disasters, both drought and flooding. Therefore, the focus is on driving local agencies, communities, and various sectors to jointly respond to disasters through preparedness and promoting knowledge on recovery. Finally, for Tak, Yala and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The group of provinces whose border areas are economic gateways connecting to other countries has a prominent vision in inclusiveness in border areas, ensuring equal access to development benefits for all community members.

The following session, attendees engaged in insightful discussions, including “The SDGs Talk” and "The Power of Data: Unlocking Sustainable Development panel," highlighting the importance of data in advancing sustainable practices. This session brought together experts from various sectors, including the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Commission, and the Chief Sustainable Officer of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and more, to explore how data-driven approaches can enhance decision-making processes, optimize resource allocation, and monitor progress towards achieving the SDGs. Panelists discussed the significance of data transparency, integration of big data analytics, and use of SDG Monitoring Platform to track environmental changes and socio-economic trends. The discussion also featured successful case studies where data initiatives have led to significant improvements in policy formulation, community engagement, and implementation of sustainable projects.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Renaud Meyer, UNDP Thailand Resident Representative, highlighted the transformative impact of the SDG Localization project, funded by the European Union, and reiterated the importance of sustained efforts and collaboration to achieve the SDGs by 2030: “This collaboration will continue. Today, we turn a page, but we don't close the book; we keep it open. UNDP and our partners believe that provincial governors, local government officials, and mayors are the frontline responders to community aspirations. We look forward to continuing our work with all of you in the years ahead and thank you for being part of our journey today.”

Download the 15 SDG Profiles: https://linktr.ee/sdgprofile