On 22 May 2025, H.E. Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held discussions with Mr. Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thailand to attend the First Meeting of the United Nations High-level Advisory Board (HLAB) on Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. Secretary Chutintorn also delivered opening remarks at the HLAB meeting.

During their discussions, both sides exchanged views on the roles of Thailand and the United Nations in promoting sustainable development amidst growing global challenges. Secretary Chutintorn reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to multilateralism and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Localization, and leveraging data and digital innovation as essential tools for development.

The Under-Secretary-General shared UN Secretary-General’s Initiative on the occasion of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, or UN80 Initiative, which focuses on three key workstreams: (1) improving operational efficiency, (2) reviewing the implementation of all mandates given to the United Nations by Member States, and (3) the need for structural changes and programme realignment across the UN system.

UN DESA serves as the principal development arm of the United Nations Secretariat and plays a vital role in supporting Member States in achieving the SDGs. The HLAB on Economic and Social Affairs, comprising experts in the economic and social fields, provides strategic and policy recommendations to UN DESA to help accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.