Statement by

H.E. Mr. Vitavas Srivihok, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations

at the fifty-fourth session of the
Commission on Population and Development

Agenda Item 3: General debate, New York, 20 April 2021

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Mr. Chair,

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Thailand would also like to congratulate you, Mr. Chair, and the other members of the Bureau on your elections, and to express appreciation for your efforts in carrying out the important work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the pandemic had caused economic slowdown, higher unemployment rate and inequality, and supply chain disruptions in many parts of the globe, many are facing food insecurity and their nutrition intake are being compromised. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly hampered our progress to achieve SDG 2, and those who are already in vulnerable situations find themselves at even greater risk. Thailand therefore views the Commission’s priority theme this year as timely, as we build back better and accelerate our efforts to achieve the SDGs in this Decade of Action.

In our recovery efforts, Thailand is applying the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model towards achieving growth that is more balanced between economic development and the preservation of the environment. Through this model, the Government will provide resources, training, and R&D capacity development for small scale farmers and large enterprises with the goal of achieving smart farming, agriculural innovation, advance nutrigenomics, and green production of agricultural products.

Mr. Chair,

I would also like to share some of Thailand’s reflections on our work on population and development.

First, the Commission’s work, as well as national efforts, must respond to the changing trends in demographics to be dynamic and relevant. Thailand has already become a “complete aged society” last year, with at least 20 per cent of the population aged 60 years and over. We will become a “super aged society” by 2033, with at least 28 per cent of the population aged 60 years and over.

As Thailand is developing our Thirteenth National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2023-2027, we will be incorporating the latest population development trends into our long-term planning. We value the cooperation with UNFPA in developing the “Future Lab for Sustainable Aging”.

Second, Thailand is committed to implementing other national priorities on population development, in particular the promotion of quality childbirth. The Second National Reproductive Health Strategy (2017-2026) focuses on improving the health of pregnant mothers and newborns, including through increased access to adequate and healthy nutrition. This is complemented by the five-Year National Nutrition Action Plan (2019-2023) and the Second Strategic Framework for Food Management in Thailand (2018-2037).

Third, Thailand views human and population development as a lifelong process and therefore believes in the significance of fostering good health and well-being of people of all ages. Since 2002, Thailand has been implementing the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which guarantees comprehensive healthcare services to all age groups.

Mr. Chair,

In closing, I would like to mention that Thailand, in collaboration with Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproduction Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, will host an International Conference on Family Planning 2022 (ICFP 2022) on 14-17 November 2022. We look forward to further collaboration with all countries and stakeholders on the organization of this important event.

I thank you.

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