In a world where collaboration is the cornerstone of progress, Thailand stands as a beacon of harmonious endeavor. Recently, Kanni Wignaraja, the UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, took the spotlight to extol the virtues of cooperation between Thailand’s government, private sector, and its vibrant communities. Her message was clear: to carve out a sustainable future, these pillars of society must unite, ensuring that inclusivity thrives as the nation strides toward its sustainable development goals (SDGs).
During her visit to the Land of Smiles, Ms. Wignaraja not only mingled with the who’s who of Thailand but also rolled up her sleeves to grasp a deeper understanding of the challenges at hand. Her journey coincided with the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, a grand conclave held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, from February 25 to 28. Here, she witnessed firsthand a nation at the cusp of transformation, yet mindful of the hurdles in its path, particularly those concerning biodiversity and the well-being of specific groups.
Thailand, much like its regional counterparts, finds itself grappling with SDG-related quandaries around climate action, the conservation of Mother Nature, and the fundamental tenets of gender equality. Ms. Wignaraja, with her usual eloquence, underscored the disproportionate brunt borne by women and girls due to environmental lassitude.
“When you weave in the elements of climate change, the specter of natural calamities, and the scourge of pollution, it becomes glaringly apparent that women and girls often shoulder the heaviest burdens at every juncture of their existence,” she remarked. “These obstacles manifest in disparities in education, employment, and pay equity, reverberating throughout the lifecycles of women and girls.”
Her clarion call for inclusive growth resonated with an urgency — urging every sector to rise to the occasion and ameliorate the environmental tribulations faced by women and girls. Encouragingly, she implored Thailand to capitalize on its ecological opulence by channeling investments through sustainability-linked financing. By doing so, the realm of education, social protection, and other bastions for the vulnerable, including but not limited to women and the elderly, can receive the priority they deserve.
In the realm of financing, she deftly articulated, “It’s imperative to view sustainability-linked financing through the prism of policy. You evaluate natural assets, identify sustainability benchmarks, and the borrowing cost for these natural resources should reflect accordingly, irrespective of the borrower — be it households, micro-enterprises, or national entities.”
Furthermore, Ms. Wignaraja urged a symbiotic partnership between governments and the private sector to usher in transformative sustainability. In particular, she called upon the juggernaut companies to shoulder their environmental responsibilities. These industry behemoths, she insisted, must not only refrain from harming nature but must also invest in rejuvenating Thailand’s verdant assets.
“The onus is on large corporations not to inflict harm upon our planet or squander our natural resources; instead, they should act as stewards of Thailand’s bountiful endowments.” A clarion call was also made for banks and enterprising micro-entrepreneurs to coalesce in these collective endeavours.
Among the the highlights of her sojourn was a visit to the province of Phetchaburi. Ms. Wignaraja proudly witnessed the signing of a statement of intent between the UNDP and Phetchaburi province — a bold stride towards bioeconomy investments that promise dividends for both people and the planet. Here, public-private biodiversity ventures, like UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative in conjunction with Krungthai Bank and Onep, are flourishing. Phetchaburi has carved a niche as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy and houses Kaeng Krachan National Park, a testament to the province’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures.
Buzzing with creativity, Phetchaburi exemplifies the harmony between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Its flourishing bird-watching tourism and thriving seafood farms are testament to the collaborative efforts that bring prosperity to the community level, ensuring growth that is not only inclusive but also sustainable.
“Thailand’s prowess in linking diverse sectors is a testament to its potential for prosperity amid sustainable practices,” Ms. Wignaraja extolled, affirming the unique opportunities nestled in each province’s context for fostering innovation.
Innovation is a recurring theme in Thailand’s narrative, evident in the Thailand Policy Lab’s groundbreaking initiatives within policy development. Birthed by the National Economic and Social Development Council and its partnership with the UNDP, this innovative lab embarks on citizen engagement in policymaking, striving for inclusivity in untangling the web of challenges as Thailand ascends as an upper-middle-income nation.
“Thailand’s rekindled zeal and unwavering dedication to advancing the sustainable development agenda is palpable,” Ms. Wignaraja concluded, her words laden with hope and challenge. “As we anchor the SDGs within Thailand, it is of crucial import that policies prioritize people’s evolving experiences and intersectional needs. Only then can we ensure that the private sector, local administrations, and international allies, unite in the grand tapestry of transformation towards a sustainable future.”
While I love the idea of a sustainable future, the focus seems too heavy on the private sector. What about the small farmers who actually care about the land?
Small farmers are important too, but they don’t have the resources that big companies do. We need both to make a real difference.
I get your point, but we need balance. Corporations should invest directly into community-driven initiatives.
But isn’t the private sector vital for innovation? They have the capital that smaller entities don’t.
It’s great to see a focus on gender equality as part of the SDGs. Women historically face more challenges, so it’s crucial they get the support they need.
I agree, but shouldn’t we be focusing more on universal human rights rather than dividing by gender all the time?
True, but women’s issues are distinct and need specific attention to break age-old barriers.
Exactly Sarah, without targeted actions for women and girls, broader human rights goals won’t be fully realized.
Biodiversity initiatives in Phetchaburi sound amazing. But could this lead to over-tourism, damaging the areas they aim to protect?
That’s a legitimate concern. Sustainable tourism is a delicate balance between growth and preservation.
The risk of over-tourism exists, but with proper management and community involvement, it can be minimized.
All these initiatives sound amazing on paper, but how does the UNDP plan to implement these at the ground level?
I find it promising that Thailand is using its creative cities like Phetchaburi for sustainable growth, combining tradition with modernity.
Kanni Wignaraja’s points on corporate responsibility are spot on. Without regulation, big companies won’t change.
Exactly! It’s one thing to preach sustainability, but another to enforce it. Words without action mean nothing.
I feel like international aid often ends up being too detached. How can Thailand truly benefit from external UNDP initiatives?
Local partnerships are key, initiatives tailored to local needs have the best chance of being successful.
I hope you’re right. Real change needs localized actions driven by local people.
Does investing in sustainability-linked financing really change anything, or is it just another buzzword?
Sustainability-linked financing can drive real change if executed correctly, as it ties financial success to environmental outcomes.
Culture plays a huge role in uprisings and promoting inclusivity. Thailand’s approach can inspire others if handled sensitively.
As always, the devil is in the details. Let’s see how Thailand implements these plans and encourages community involvement.
Community involvement is non-negotiable for success. Top-down approaches rarely work without buy-in from locals.
I love how Phetchaburi is a UNESCO Creative City! Blending art with environmental efforts is a pathway to sustainability.
Agreed, but isn’t that just one small part? We need more scalability in these efforts across Thailand.
Every success story begins with an idea, but it feels ambitious. Will Thailand become a model for Asia?
Thailand’s focus on intersectional policies is refreshing. The UNDP’s involvement in policy labs could guide other countries.
But isn’t policy development too slow-paced for the urgent climate crisis?