The "Prime Minister" participates in the opening of the “82nd annual session of ESCAP."

Today (20 April 2026) at 9:25 AM, at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul participated in and delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 82nd Session of the Commission (CS82) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), under the main theme of "Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific." Following the address, Ms. Lalida Perisvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, summarized the key points of the keynote address. The following is a summary of the current global situation:

Mr. Anutin stated that the world is increasingly uncertain, citing geopolitical tensions, more severe climate change, and tighter financial conditions. These factors affect people of all ages and make achieving the Sustainable Development Goals more difficult. In this context, development must be inclusive and leave no one behind. Therefore, the main theme of this year's conference, "Driving a Society for All Ages," is not just a policy goal but a truly crucial strategic agenda.

In the context of the Asia-Pacific region rapidly entering an aging society and millions of young people entering the labor market, Mr. Anutin said it is necessary to create a society that values all ages and provides opportunities for everyone to grow to their full potential. This can be achieved through promoting lifelong learning, supporting the health and participation of the elderly, ensuring that all groups benefit from economic and technological changes, and having equitable access to basic services and social protection systems.

Mr. Anutin further explained that Thailand's approach is based on a simple principle: people-centered development. This emphasizes investment in lifelong learning, promoting quality aging, supporting decent work in a changing economy, and strengthening inclusive social protection systems, building upon the universal health coverage system. To ensure that citizens can live with dignity and security,

Mr. Anutin stated that progress towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has not been on schedule, necessitating more serious and accelerated action. He identified three key areas of focus: 1. Political will: Policies must be aligned with long-term goals, and obligations must be fulfilled concretely. 2. Funding: Additional resources, including private sector investment, must be mobilized, and new financial instruments must be utilized to their fullest potential. 3. Cooperation: The government, private sector, and civil society must work together more closely. Regional forums like ESCAP can support the exchange of best practices and broaden the application of solutions.

Finally, Mr. Anutin emphasized that Thailand is proud to have hosted ESCAP since 1949 and values ESCAP's role as a platform for discussion, cooperation, and practical action, especially in a complex and rapidly changing world. Thailand is committed to supporting ESCAP to strengthen regional cooperation with national initiatives, and transforming shared goals into tangible results.

Ms. Lalida Perisvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, reported that the annual ESCAP meeting is a key regional meeting for Asia and the Pacific under the United Nations framework. This year, it is being held from April 20 to 24, 2026, chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting provides a platform for member countries to discuss current demographic situations and future trends, as well as important economic and social issues such as promoting decent work, ensuring inclusive employment for all age groups, a good quality of life, happiness, and well-being for the elderly (physical, mental, and social), and empowering women economically.

Photo : Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong