Global cooperation vital to achieve Agenda 2030, Thai leader tells UN Assembly

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today that global cooperation is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that seek to eliminate poverty, hunger and a host of social ills by 2030, on the second day of the United Nations General Assembly’s annual general debate.

“To achieve the SDGs, a shared responsibility and collective efforts, as well as active engagement with and contribution of regional, political, or economic groups are vital,” he stressed.

“No single country, be it the most powerful or prosperous one, can push for such achievement alone. International cooperation, be it North-South, South-South, or triangular cooperation, are therefore essential and can serve as a universal push to transform our world. We all have to work together for it.”

Mr. Prayut cited the efforts his own country was already making to meet the goals, addressing key global challenges such as climate change by ratifying the Paris Accord, disaster risk management and a development model.

“Moreover, the Government places high importance to the freedom, equality and welt-being of people, as well as inclusive and equitable access to basic services,” he added, citing new legislation on gender equality and setting up funds to take care of new-born children, persons with disability and the elderly persons.