In the bustling heart of Southeast Asia, where skyscrapers rise above serene Buddhist temples, an important conversation is unfolding about the future of Thailand—a conversation that could very well shape not only the country’s destiny but also inspire a ripple of change across the region. Spearheading this dialogue is none other than Kanni Wignaraja, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who is passionately leading the charge for a sustainable and inclusive tomorrow.
During her recent visit to the vibrant city of Bangkok, Wignaraja found herself standing at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, orchestrated at the grand United Nations Conference Centre. Nestled among diplomats, thought leaders, and visionaries, she delivered an articulate plea to the Government of Thailand, its thriving private sector, and its proud communities. Her message? Collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
Over a series of insightful discussions, Wignaraja didn’t hold back. She painted a picture of Thailand’s ongoing journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), acknowledging strides made but also candidly pointing out the roadblocks, particularly those tangled with biodiversity, climate action, and gender equality. Her observations were sharp and straightforward, as she underscored a often overlooked fact: environmental challenges disproportionately affect women and girls at every life stage, be it through health, education, or economic opportunities. “When nature suffers,” she emphasized, “it’s the women and girls who bear the heaviest burdens.”
In a vibrant tapestry of exchanges with ministers, business giants, and community champions, Wignaraja stressed the collective strength of working together towards a future where nature and people can thrive in harmony. But it’s not just about talking; it’s about taking tangible steps forward, especially for the environmental issues and those most affected by them. She envisioned transformative finance policies that spotlight natural assets, innovating solutions for everyday real-world problems—a call to action for sustainability-linked financing to ensure investments are precision-guided to benefit both planet and populace.
Paving the way for sustainable change is not a solo activity. Wignaraja urged the titans of the private sector to transform from the giants of industry into the guardians of nature. Large companies, she insisted, need to hit the brakes on actions that harm the environment, pivot, and pour their resources into regenerating Thailand’s abundant natural wealth. And who could deny it? A collective responsibility lies at the doorstep of not just big business, but also banks and grassroot entrepreneurs—a call to all to step into roles as co-creators of a sustainable future.
One of the visit’s crowning moments was in Phetchaburi, a place where nature’s bounty and human ingenuity coalesce in a breathtaking display. Here, Wignaraja witnessed the signing of a landmark statement of intent between the UNDP and Phetchaburi province, ushering in a new era of bioeconomy investments. This collaboration stands as a beacon, showing how public-private partnerships can be the cornerstone of progress, nurturing economic growth while safeguarding our natural world.
Aflutter with biodiversity initiatives such as bird-watching tourism and sustainable seafood farming, Phetchaburi illustrates the power of community-led growth, positioning itself as a model of what happens when government, business, and local people unite for a higher cause. It’s a role model for Thailand and beyond, merging tradition with innovation, and business goals with environmental stewardship to create inclusive prosperity.
The road ahead is exciting, filled with possibilities. The Thailand Policy Lab’s initiatives, sketched out through a unique partnership with the UNDP and the National Economic and Social Development Council, aim to infuse policy development with the perspectives and experiences of its citizens. It’s a testament to a nation transitioning with grace into an upper-middle-income status—a nation eager to meet complex challenges head-on with creativity and collective resolve.
As Wignaraja’s whirlwind trip concluded, her optimism was palpable. The message was clear: Thailand, with its renewed vigor and commitment, is poised to advance the sustainable development agenda. For this Southeast Asian jewel, ensuring policies reflect and respect people’s diverse needs and experiences is the key to setting a transformative path toward the sustainable glow of future horizons. In this quest for a better future, every voice, every action, and every stakeholder counts.
Kanni Wignaraja’s speech seemed more like a call to action for the world rather than just Thailand! It’s amazing to see leadership focusing on gender equality too. But do you think enough will actually be done?
It’s always easy to talk about change, but actions speak louder than words. Let’s see if this actually translates into policy.
I agree, actions matter more. Though speeches can inspire, we need to see businesses stepping up, not just relying on the government.
True, many speeches have been made over the years. Still, leaders like Wignaraja are crucial for setting a vision. Let’s hope Phetchaburi’s model gets adopted more widely!
It’s refreshing to see focus on environmental issues, but it’s always women who are framed as victims. Isn’t it a bit outdated? We’re not in the 19th century anymore.
Collaboration as a solution always sounds ideal. But how realistic is it to expect big corporations to change when profits are at stake?
If corporations want to sustain profits long-term, they’ll have to think about the environment. Short-term gains from exploitation won’t last.
I hope you’re right! If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that unpredictable disruptions can wreak havoc on business models.
Thailand is on an exciting path! But involving the community is vital for success. Have there been any public initiatives to involve them?
Yup, initiatives like bird-watching and sustainable seafood farming are community-driven. Still, more outreach is needed to get locals on board.
Always promoting public-private partnerships. I’m skeptical. When has big business ever cared about anything but profits?
Change is hard, especially with so many vested interests. But focusing on bioeconomy investments like in Phetchaburi could really set a precedent.
Bioeconomy is smart. Developing sustainable models that also consider local environments is key. More areas should follow suit.
Why focus so much on finance policies? Can’t we just make direct changes to environmental law?
If only other regions would take a leaf from Thailand’s book! Hopefully, this will encourage more dialogue in the Asia-Pacific.
Finance is crucial for tangible results. Without money, policies are just paper. Transformative financing is essential to implement these ideas.
Totally agree! However, we must be careful how these funds are distributed to ensure they actually go towards sustainable projects.
With Bangkok as a focal point, there’s a lot of pressure on Thailand. Do you think smaller surrounding countries will follow their lead?
Neighboring countries watching could benefit from Thailand’s experiences, successes or failures. It could be a ripple effect!
Merging tradition with innovation sounds great, but isn’t that a bit romanticized? Real-world change is more complex.
Thailand’s efforts with the UNDP are commendable. Addressing biodiversity and gender issues is necessary. Time will tell how impactful these dialogues are.
Time will tell, indeed. It’s nice to talk about gender, but let’s not make it the narrative. The environment should be the main plea.
Building a sustainable bioeconomy should involve more education for the locals. Otherwise, how will they know the benefits of these changes?
That’s a good point! Incorporating sustainability in educational curricula could help future-proof such initiatives.
I suspect these initiatives are politically driven. Everyone jumps on the sustainability bandwagon eventually. Let’s see what’s really achieved.