Don Pramudwinai
Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Thailand
In the digital age and present context of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), we often hear about “big data” and the
“Internet of Things (IOT),” which to some, may sound highly technical and
virtually digital. While Thailand is fully aware of the opportunities and
challenges that come with modernity, we also seek an all-encompassing human
dimension of inclusive development, particularly during our year as ASEAN
Chair. This is why we came up with the theme “Advancing Partnership for
Sustainability,” to promote the “Sustainability of Things (SOT),” which means
sustainability in all dimensions.
Sustainable
development is an overarching concept that is directly related to SOT. However,
the first aspect of sustainability that usually comes to mind of the public is
environmental sustainability, which is a significant component of the concept
and part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or SDGs.
These 17 SDGs are simply grouped into 5Ps with the ultimate goal to save the planet,
foster peace, create prosperity, enhance partnership, and
nourish our people.
With
regard to the ‘planet,’ fresh air and clean water are among the basic yet
fundamental essentials for human beings and all other creatures that share this
world with us. Sadly, Mother Earth has been harmed and taken for granted by
humans more than anyone else throughout history. The fact that several SDGs
give importance to the rehabilitation and conservation of our planet reflects
the rising environmental concerns and the call for a more balanced development,
widely known as the concept of ‘circular economy,’ which is gaining ground
globally.
Thailand
recognises that enhancing environmental sustainability is inextricably linked
to social and economic development, and is one of the key conditions for
sustainable development. We have therefore adopted measures to conserve,
restore, and manage our natural resources and environment in a more sustainable
manner, and included these elements in our 20-Year National Strategy Framework
(2017 - 2036).
For
instance, Thailand has launched the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
Roadmap on Mitigation (2021 - 2030) to ensure that we meet our targets on the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 25 % by 2030. Some progress has
been made so far. Last year, we managed to reduce the emission of 45.72 million
tonnes of carbon dioxide or 12% of the targeted 7 - 20% by 2020. Moreover, about 24
hectares of coral reefs and 880 hectares of mangrove forest were rehabilitated,
and the use of over 435 million plastic bags was reduced since 2017.
Beyond
our national undertaking, Thailand has consistently advocated cooperation on
environmental issues with the global community to derive the long-term benefits. An example is our firm
commitment to the Paris Agreement to address climate change. At the same time,
Thailand has been cooperating with all partners on the exchange of knowledge,
experiences, and best practices.
Sustainable
development is a global agenda that requires concerted efforts, and Thailand is
in the position to drive it forward this year. In addition to being ASEAN
Chair, Thailand is also ASEAN Coordinator on Sustainable Development
Cooperation, actively identifying the complementarities and promoting closer
coordination between ASEAN and the United Nations. One substantial outcome is the
“Complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the United
Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: A Framework for Action” which
identifies possible synergy and means to strengthen ASEAN Community-building
while attaining several SDGs simultaneously.
A
recommendation from the Complementarities Report that will be realized fully
this year is the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development
Studies and Dialogue in Thailand. The Centre will be funded by the Royal Thai
Government and will help coordinate activities and projects related to the
Complementarities Initiative, while linking up with similar centres in ASEAN
Member States to form a network of centres in support of regional sustainable
development efforts.
During
its ASEAN Chairmanship, one of the sustainable development agendas that will be
addressed is marine environment. Thailand is greatly concerned with the problem
of marine debris and its impact on the environment. We truly believe that
urgent action is needed. Researchers have found a marine debris or “garbage patch”
in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a size larger than Bangkok. This debris
is eaten by fish, which is then consumed by humans, thus causing severe health
problems. News reports of sea animals like whales and turtles suffering from
eating indigestible waste are only a fraction of the annual 100,000 deaths of
marine animals due to this problem. In addition, marine debris affects the
promotion of environmentally friendly tourism and thus affects the contribution
of the tourism sector to national development.
A
research by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand found
that rubbish that is thrown into the sea can travel all over the world. It is
therefore imperative that we have a platform for discussions and collaboration
to tackle the problem. A technical working group meeting among ASEAN members
was held in November 2017 while the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Marine
Debris and ASEM High-level Meeting on Marine Sustainability will be held on 5
March 2019 and 7 - 8 March 2019, respectively. Thus, Thailand is advancing
partnership for sustainability by starting with environmental sustainability,
and will expand to other areas throughout the year.
The
benefits of sustainable development are countless but each country should
embark on its own path and determination to achieve the goals. In Thailand’s case, the
Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) was adopted as its home-grown approach.
This philosophy, conferred by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej,
proposes a “thinking process” consisting of three parts - analysis on the cause
of the problem, identification of practical solutions, and the implementation
of the selected solutions.
SEP
is mainstreamed in Thailand’s policy both at the national and international
levels. It has been a guiding principle in Thailand’s National Economic and
Social Development Plans since 2002 and its application to achieve sustainable
development. Thailand has shared this philosophy with many countries as an
alternative approach to achieving SDGs through the provision of training
courses and the establishment of several cooperation projects in Asia and
Africa.
In
conclusion, Thailand’s commitment towards sustainable development is steadfast
as demonstrated in our past achievements and contributions nationally and
internationally. We are committed to do more. The agenda will be particularly
important during our ASEAN Chairmanship and Thailand looks forward to working
with colleagues in ASEAN and beyond in a global partnership as set forth in SDG
Goal 17.
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