Event Overview:

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, as articulated in Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), stands as a cornerstone of global development. However, translating this vision into tangible action requires a localized approach that acknowledges and addresses the unique contexts and challenges faced by communities.

This workshop, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Thailand, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand aim to catalyze SDG 5 localisation efforts by engaging local stakeholders across sectors. Drawing on the principles of inclusivity, participation, and collaboration, the event seeks to deepen understanding, foster ownership, and build capacities for advancing gender equality at the grassroots level.

Participants will delve into discussions and interactive sessions, exploring the significance of SDG 5 within the Thai context and its implications for local development. Through targeted training and capacity-building activities, attendees will gain practical skills and knowledge to drive SDG 5 localisation initiatives effectively.

Moreover, the workshop will serve as a platform for forging partnerships and fostering networks among diverse stakeholders, laying the groundwork for coordinated action and collective impact. By empowering local actors to take ownership of the SDG 5 agenda, the event aims to instigate transformative change and contribute to the realization of gender equality and women's empowerment in Thailand.

Event Objectives:

1. Raise Awareness and Understanding on Gender Equality and its contribution to SDGs achievement: Increase understanding of SDG 5 and its relevance to local development priorities, highlighting the importance of gender equality for sustainable development at the provincial level.
2. Promote Participation and Ownership: Engage provincial stakeholders, including local governments, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to take active ownership of SDG 5 localisation efforts, ensuring that initiatives are tailored to local contexts and needs.
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5. Build Capacities and Skills: Strengthen the capacity of local actors to localize SDG 5 by providing training on gender data
6. collection, analysis, and the use of indicators for effective planning and policy formulation.
7. Foster Collaboration and Partnerships: Establish strong partnerships between local governments, key UN agencies, and other stakeholders to foster a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to advancing gender equality and SDG 5 at the subnational level.
8. Accelerate Nationwide Progress on SDG 5: Strengthen coordination between national and subnational actors to scale up best practices, support the integration of SDG 5 into relevant policies and initiatives, promoting a cohesive approach to advancing gender equality across the country and driving the achievement of SDG 5 at a national level.

Event Format and expected participants:

This one-day hybrid workshop expects approximately 100 in-person participants from key Ministries i.e. the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Digital for Development, the National Statistical Office and local governments along with CSOs from 5 pilot provinces namely Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Pattani along with CSOs, UN Agencies and other Bangkok-based partners. In addition,  there will be 71 multi-ministerial provincial teams participating online under the leadership of the Governors and the provincial MSDHS.

Event Partners:

The event will be co-hosted by MSDHS, MoI, UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women. It will be participated by relevant participants as listed above from both national and local levels.

Expected Outcome/Output:

1. Introduction to a Standardized Data Collection Framework: The training will provide provinces with a standardized framework for gender data collection that can be adapted to local contexts. The framework will outline the essential indicators and methodologies for collecting gender data relevant to SDG 5. The final development and refinement of this framework should involve collaboration with MOI and MSDHS, potentially through a working group, to ensure it meets local needs and is contextually relevant for each province.
2. Identification of Initial Action Steps for SDG 5 Localisation:  While the provincial action plans for SDG 5 localisation cannot be fully developed during the training, the session will set the groundwork for their creation. During the training, participants will identify key areas of focus for gender equality in their provinces and be provided with guidelines for action planning. Follow-up support will be needed to assist MOI and MSDHS in assigning provincial offices the responsibility to develop detailed action plans after the training.
3. Enhanced Awareness and Capacity Building:  The training will enhance participants' understanding of SDG 5, its significance, and its relevance to local development. This will build the capacity of provincial stakeholders to localize SDG 5 through a gender-responsive approach, enabling them to apply the knowledge gained during the session in their work.
4. Strengthened Collaboration and Partnerships:  The session will foster initial collaboration and partnerships between local governments, UN agencies, and civil society actors, establishing a foundation for future joint efforts. These partnerships will be crucial for the ongoing localisation process, including data collection, monitoring, and implementing SDG 5 initiatives at the provincial level.

Proposed Pilot Provinces:
Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Pattani were selected as the first batch of pilot provinces, based on their engagement with UNDP’s SDG localisation initiatives where all SDGs were reviewed in their province and the willingness of their provincial governors to champion gender equality efforts.

Draft Agenda

SDG5 Localisation: Advancing Gender Equality and Strengthening Data in Thailand

Date and Time: Thursday 27^th March 2025 at 8.30 – 16.30 hrs.

Venue: Pakorn Aungsusingh Room, 2^nd Floor, Department of Social Development and Welfare,
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Bangkok Thailand