Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good morning. Sa-was-dee-ka.
It is my pleasure to be part of Thailand Sustainability Expo 2022.
The theme of this year’s Expo, “Sufficiency for Sustainability,” lies at the heart of recovering fully from the COVID-19 pandemic and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The world is slowly healing from the devastating effects of the pandemic and adapting to a new way of living. Countries are also reeling from the impact of climate change and the ongoing geopolitical tension across the world.
It is imperative to address the interconnectedness of pressing global challenges and to strive for a better tomorrow where no one is left behind.
Promoting and sharing best practices and engaging in events like this are essential if we are to realize a vision for a green, resilient and inclusive recovery.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are nearing the halfway mark in the Decade of Action for SDGs. To deliver impactful initiatives in this time of crises, investments must be made in people, or people-centered, in building resilience and in accelerating digital transformation.
Government alone cannot successfully implement the 2030 Agenda. It must be a whole of government, whole of society approach. It must work and leverage the private sector, work with the many international and domestic companies present here today.
To advance economic opportunities, the priority of firstly investing in people must involve building women’s economic empowerment. With many low-income women often left behind, economic empowerment will be critical for achieving the SDGs.
Secondly, the global pandemic and the war have had a devastating impact on already vulnerable micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). There must be enhanced support to MSMEs in their value chains by providing market access, developing their skills or facilitating access to finance.
Sharing practical experiences in sustainable development also helps create a sustainable marketplace.
Third, the widening digital divide between and within countries will require introducing digital innovations that will enable small economic actors to benefit from digital services and build digital skills.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We wish to accelerate our impact by creating global change and supporting the world in transitioning to an equitable future through catalytic investments and collaborative partnerships.
We stand ready to support Thailand and various stakeholders in the accelerated recovery from the pandemic and the implementation of SDGs.
Thank you very much.
Kob-kun-ka.
