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Mr. Co-Chair,
At the outset, it is always a pleasure to see you in the Chair. Please also convey to your
distinguished Mr. Co-Chair on his recent election as Co-Chair. I also welcome the opportunity to
enjoy “one another’s” company as suggested by Under-Secretary- General Sha Zukang yesterday
in addition to his other important insights and the state of play as well as the pertinent issues and
what is expected of us, the member states.
Thailand aligns itself with the statement by Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Mr. Chairman,
At the upcoming Rio+20 conference, we agree on the need to come up with a new paradigm for
development. One which places people at the centre, one that will pursue poverty eradication and
development through sustained, inclusive and equitable growth, environmental sustainability and
fulfillment of human potential.
On the outcome document, in Thailand’s views, the Rio+20 Conference should result in a single
outcome document that renews political commitment on sustainable development and is actionoriented
in nature. The outcome must reaffirm Rio principles, Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg
Plan of Implementation. The outcome needs to identify gaps as well as new and emerging
challenges in order to suggest further interventions and implementations. The outcome also
needs to ensure that the three pillars of sustainable development reinforce one another in an
integrated and balanced manner. Lastly, the follow-up would ensure effective implementation.
In this connection, Thailand would like to emphasize a few key points:
First, green economy should focus on critical sectors such as food security and sustainable
agriculture, integrated water resources management, sustainable energy, sustainable urbanization
and disaster risk reduction and management.
Second, Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is an important tool contributing to
green economy. SCP can be promoted through public investment, tax regulations, research on
green technology, and human resources development.
Third, a development agenda must be a human agenda. For development to be sustainable, the
maintenance and improvement of the health of the people is of extreme importance. The linkages
of health, environmental and socio-economic improvements require inter-sectoral efforts that
involve education, housing, and social protection including universal health care.
Fourth, the outcome needs to incorporate an enforcing mechanism and incentives to materialize
capacity building, especially science and innovation, as well as transfer of environmentally
sound technologies. Here, we are of the opinion that the UN system can play a role in assisting
developing countries by enhancing or establishing “centres of excellence”, in partnership with
countries or relevant regional institutes, at national, regional and international levels, in their
respective areas of competence.
Last but not least is IFSD. Thailand is of the view that while UNEP needs to be strengthened, it
must work closely at the policy level with other organizations in the economic and social pillars,
such as UNDP, UNCTAD and WTO for effective delivery at the country level. At the regional
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level, the Regional Commissions should continue to play an important role as principal
implementing agencies in their respective regions.
In addition, Thailand is open to discussions and exchange of innovative ideas with other
countries on Sustainable Development Council. Its primary goal should be to achieve a greater
policy coherence of the three pillars throughout the entire system.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, I take this occasion to reiterate Thailand’s full support and
commitment to the Rio+20. We look forward to working with all partners to help meet the needs
of the present generation while preparing the groundwork to allow the next to meet theirs.
Thank you.
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