Statement of the Kingdom of Thailand
at the Intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda
20 July 2015, United Nations, New York
Co-Facilitators,
At the outset, allow me to state that the Kingdom of Thailand welcomes the “final draft of the outcome document” and deeply appreciates your dedication and hard work.
We align ourselves with the statements made by the Permanent Representative of South Africa on behalf of the Group 77 and China and the statement to be made by the Permanent Representative of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends on Culture and Development. My delegation also supports AOSIS statement highlighting that the development agenda should be people-centered.
In addition, I wish to state the Kingdom of Thailand’s views as follows.
First, we are pleased to see that the revised Declaration, which is now more concise and less repetitive. It addresses the challenges facing us, yet remains positive, indicating that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It also includes many of the issues that Member States advocated at the last IGN. We are particularly pleased that the final draft now also highlights resilience and disaster risk reduction, wildlife, sustainable tourism, the role of young people as agents of change, and sustainable energy.
On the other hand, the final draft is yet to reflect the role of the United Nations and its development system in supporting member states in the post-2015 era, an issue that many delegations raised. Another concern for us is the deletion of the role of culture as an enabler of sustainable development. In this regard, we call for the insertion of both points as separate paragraphs in the next revision of the final draft.
Second, we take note of the revised preamble, which now emphasizes the 17 SDGs and 169 targets. However, we would appreciate more clarification regarding the selective 5Ps, i.e. people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. In particular, the explanation of each P in our view seems to be disconnected from the three dimensions of sustainable development. We also wonder why “dignity” and “justice” are left out.
Third, we are of a firm view that targets of the SDGs are an outcome of a delicate compromise and therefore should not be revised or tweaked further at this critical juncture. In particular, target 6.3, improve water quality by reducing pollution, should remain unchanged. As for target 8.7, we take note of the Co-Facilitators’ good intentions in adding the phrase “end modern slavery and human trafficking”, but in our view, now is perhaps not the time to introduce new concepts. As for target 14.c on UNCLOS, we would like to stress our firm conviction that to realize the potential of Goal 14 to the fullest extent, its implementation must be based on a universal acceptance of UNCLOS. In this regard, I would like to voice Thailand support to the initiative of Fiji and other Member States to follow-up on and implement Goal 14, including their initiative to organize the Triennial Oceans and Seas Summit.
Fourth, with regard to the issue of means of implementation, the next revised draft should take into account the newly adopted Addis Ababa Action Agenda in such a way as to allow a true synergy to emerge. We believe that, although the Action Agenda is a stand-alone instrument to revitalize global partnership that is adopted for an indefinite period, it can provide a good basis for ensuring successful implementation and follow-up of the post-2015 development agenda. It also perfectly complements, reinforces and supports the MoI Targets of SDGs, bridging the gap between aspirational goals and actual implementation. A case in point is the decision in the Action Agenda to establish a technology facilitation mechanism, to be launched at the coming Post 2015 Summit, to support the sustainable development goals. This mechanism will certainly enhance collaboration among governments, civil society, private sector, and United Nations agencies in support of developing countries in their efforts to realize the development agenda, especially in the field of renewable and green technology.
Fifth, we are pleased that the follow up and review section is now less prescriptive. More flexibility at the national and regional levels will allow Member States and regional groupings to have more space to exercise their policy planning in accordance with their respective circumstances and national capacity.
Co-Facilitators,
These are our preliminary views, which we hope will be taken into account when revising the final draft. Please rest assured of my delegation’s full support to you in the next two weeks and the final phase of the negotiation, in the hope that together we may achieve a truly sustainable development agenda that takes into account the three pillars of sustainable development and puts people at the centre.
Thank you.
