At the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Thailand will call for faith in the multilateral system as the centre of the global development agenda, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman.

Tanee Sangrat said that Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai will lead the Thai delegation to take part in the ongoing UNGA in New York. Don is scheduled to give an address at the assembly on the morning of September 24th.

Thailand believes that the multilateral system plays an important role in tackling new challenges, such as digital technology, the use of outer space and in advocating for an equitable global financial system, he said, adding that this appeal will be highlighted in Don’s UNGA address.

The theme of the UNGA this year is “A watershed moment: Transformative solutions to the interlocking challenges,” which was set by UNGA President Csaba Kőrösi from Hungary. It reflects the general sentiment among the UN members of the current global situation.

Since this will be the first in-person meeting in three years, it serves as a good opportunity for Thailand to reconnect with her counterparts, who will come from 193 member countries.

As the current chair of APEC, Thailand hopes to reshape the global agenda through participation in international dialogues and promote its profile. Since 2016, Thailand has also been serving as the coordinator for ASEAN and the UN on issues related to sustainable development.

In addition, Don will use the opportunity to revitalise ties between the Thai public and Thai communities in the United States, as well as US private sector bodies such as the US-ASEAN Business Council.

At the UN, Thailand will also launch its candidature for the Human Rights Council for 2025-2027.

In addition to the UNGA activities, Don is scheduled to conduct more than 10 side events, including bilateral meetings with China, the United Arab Emirates and UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. Thailand and the UN are commemorating the 75th anniversary of their relations.

Some of the other side events include co-hosting international conferences related to public health, something in which Thailand has a positive track record. There will also be a meeting among the so-called Groups of Friends, to promote investment in the public health system.

Thai PBS World