New York City: Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, has reported on the successful participation of the Thai delegation at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69) held at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration in 2025, was an opportunity for Thailand to showcase its achievements and initiatives in promoting social development and gender equality.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut engaged in productive bilateral discussions with Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The talks centered around Thailand’s initiatives, particularly in promoting careers for people with disabilities, a project executed in collaboration with six universities and bolstered by a recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The UNDP recognized these efforts as exemplary and expressed interest in expanding similar initiatives to other countries.
Mr. Varawut emphasized the importance of integrating international knowledge and experiences into Thailand’s policies, particularly in areas such as women’s development and overcoming population crises, as outlined in the Ministry’s flagship projects. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to international cooperation and the promotion of gender equality, reflecting on Thailand’s ongoing efforts to implement policies that address the needs of the elderly, disabled, women, and children.
During the follow-up meeting of the 4th World Conference on Women, Mr. Varawut delivered a statement on behalf of Thailand, reaffirming the country’s dedication to gender equality, as championed by Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The statement emphasized policies aimed at ending violence against women, eradicating poverty, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups, which garnered applause and commendation from international attendees.
Mr. Varawut expressed optimism about Thailand’s growing role on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to improve the care for vulnerable populations. He acknowledged the Ministry’s challenges, including limited resources, but underscored the potential for collaboration with international bodies like the World Bank to enhance the Ministry’s impact.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s achievements, Mr. Varawut praised the dedication of civil servants and volunteers working to support over 20 million vulnerable individuals in Thailand. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind, emphasizing its role as a crucial support system for Thai society. He concluded by encouraging continued efforts and international collaboration to address social challenges effectively.
