To further raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable development goals, the news agency Bangkok Tribune, in collaboration with its partners, organized a special forum titled “SDGs in the New Politics” on June 20. The forum provided a platform for the public to explore the concept of SDGs and devise strategies for moving forward after the recent general election. The panel included representatives from the government, academia, NGOs and the United Nations Development Programme.
One of the key messages conveyed by the speakers drew attention to the necessity of better educating people about the SDGs and the underlying issues. By increasing knowledge and understanding, individuals can effectively play their part in addressing these complex challenges. To achieve this, it was proposed that the SDGs should be integrated into school curricula, ensuring that future generations are well-versed in these global objectives. Additionally, the speakers advocated for greater visibility of the SDGs in the media, enabling wider dissemination of information and fostering social awareness.
Beyond education, the forum discussion also stressed the significance of inclusive decision-making processes. It was highlighted that involving local communities in decision-making from the early stages of project design is crucial. Rather than decisions being made solely from centralized authorities, a collaborative approach that actively engages those directly affected by the decisions was emphasized. By incorporating diverse perspectives and local knowledge, more effective and sustainable solutions can be achieved.
Overall, the panel underlined that it is crucial to recognize that the SDGs form a cohesive and interrelated framework in which each goal is an essential part for a higher quality of life. Acknowledging this, close collaboration among the three key stakeholders - public and private agencies, and the people - becomes essential to ensure optimal alignment of resources towards the SDGs. The allocated national budgets have to match the implementation status of the SDGs in Thailand to prevent a disconnect between specific needs to meet the SDG and the carried out actions. The speakers expressed hope that the upcoming government will play a significant role in extending the global commitment to all individuals in Thailand and establishing a comprehensive legal framework to support this endeavor. Examples from abroad show that governmental support is indispensable in establishing stronger organizations that can mobilize more people and enhance overall awareness, thus accelerating progress in the journey towards achieving the SDGs.
By Lukas Kirstein
