UNFPA hosted the World Population Day 2024, promoting the notion of “Data, coordination and Investment through Life-Cycle Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Population and Development”

The United Nations Population Fund in Thailand (UNFPA Thailand) hostedWorld Population Day 2024 and commemorates the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) on 11^th July 2024 at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. The event was centered around the theme "Our Common Future: Investment through Life-Cycle Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Population and Development in Thailand" highlighting the importance of Data and coordination across the whole-of-society approach. With over 200 participants from representative of governments, CSOs, private sector, academia, media and young people, key speakers included Ms. Sarah Binyoh, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC); Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Health, the Ministry of Public Health; Dr. Cataleya Phatoomros, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Sarah Binyoh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, remarks during the opening ceremony of World Population Day 2024 that July 11th of every year is World Population Day. Thai event theme aligned well with the global theme for World Population Day 2024 which is “Embracing the power of inclusive data towards a sustainable and equitable future for all”. The theme is closely linked to the shifts in population structure and the abrupt environmental changes, as well as the aging society that Thailand is currently confronting. These challenges include a declining fertility rate and a higher number of deaths than births, which will ultimately lead to a reduced working-age population in the future. Thailand is experiencing a growing share of elderly population, leading to the country becoming super aged society and potentially facing a persistent decline in population.

Ms. Sarah further notes that the Thai government is cognizant of this population concern and has prioritized the implementation of policies to address shifts in population structure, through several key ministries. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the primary government department responsible for enhancing the well-being of the Thai populace, has implemented five x five strategies with five principles. These necessitate collaboration from network partners across all sectors, encompassing the government sector, private sector, civil society, general public, and international organizations. It is also imperative to have "inclusive data" as the basis for making decisions. Thailand can utilize inclusive data and a "life-cycle approach" to effectively plan and establish guidelines for implementing population development strategies that cater to the needs of people of all age groups. This will ultimately result in improving the capacity of the people to effectively adjust to change and engage in a "common future" within an aging society, with full participation from all individuals.

"The power of inclusive data will be akin to a robust thread that will weave the needs and aspirations of every life into meaningful investments for a future that is fair, equitable, and fosters the adaptability of citizens in a world of change. This weaving would not be feasible if we were unable to surmount our constraints and collaborate on policy coordination among all sectors, including representatives of all genders, all ages, from all groups, and all contexts, in order to create a data system and data management that accurately reflect reality and can enhance the quality of life of citizens in the present and the future. We must work together because, together, everything is possible," emphasizes Ms. Sarah.

Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Country Director for UNFPA Thailand and Representative for Malaysia, states that UNFPA is a United Nations agency that is dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3: good health and well-being, and SDG5: gender equality, as well as the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA's primary missions are to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, age, or group, have access to reproductive health rights and family planning, ensure that every birth is safe, and promote gender equality to end gender-based violence. This must be implemented through the life-cycle approach for population at all ages and all gender. UNFPA also employs and promotes empirical evidence, technology, innovation, and statistical data. Additionally, it collaborates with civil society, the private sector, government network partners on a national and local levels, and other pertinent organizations. Furthermore, UNFPA supports the exchange of knowledge and best practices from Thailand to other nations that aspire to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and internationally agreed-upon goals through collaboration in the form of South-South and Triangular Cooperation projects.

Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) underscored the challenges of technology in managing an aging society to ensure the population's health, financial stability, and social stability, as technology alters the demographic landscape. The adjustment of policies for sustainable population development will be significantly influenced by technology and innovation, including AI.

Deputy Director-General at the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, asserted that the Department's role is to enhance the quality of the population and ensure the rights to sexual and reproductive health for individuals of all genders, ages, and social groups. The focus is on promoting high-quality childbirth and preventing unplanned pregnancies, while also providing support for individuals who are prepared to have children but may face health or legal obstacles.

Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the origins of the ICPD and underscored that Thailand has made significant strides in advancing the SDGs, currently ranking as the top country in ASEAN and the 47th in the world. Among the 17 SDGs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the leading government agency in SDG 17: Partnerships in sustainable development, including population development. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the 5 Ps, Thailand must also continue our effort and coordination across players to accelerate SDGs achievement within 2030. It is crucial to have reliable data in order to assess the progress made towards and report the results against each goal.

Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office of UNFPA Thailand, stateed that UNFPA Thailand organized Thailand's World Population Day 2024 event and simultaneously commemorating the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The ICPD was organized in 1994 in Cairo, and 179 governments, including the Thai government, participated in the conference and supported the ICPD Program of Action (ICPD PoA). Under the theme "Our Common Future: Investment through Life-Cycle Approach for Sustainable and Inclusive Population and Development in Thailand," this year's public event is being organized to increase awareness of global population issues, aged society, gender equality, women and girls' empowerment, ending gender-based violence, the promotion of sexual and reproductive health, and the enhancement of the quality of life of the population in all aspects in Thai context.

"UNFPA Thailand has organized variety of events to commemorate World Population Day this year. The objective of these activities is to foster collaboration among all network partners, including the government sector, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and individuals of all genders and ages, to promote population and development in an equitable, thorough, and inclusive manner. For instance, UNFPA Thailand organized an online short clip video contest and a TikTok Challenge targeting young people to present their recommendations in address key population issues in innovative approaches. The winners were announced on the World Population Day. The today’s event also features keynote speeches from representatives of government agencies that are crucial to the development of the Thai population. Additionally, a panel discussion was held on the subject of "Our Common Future: Investment through Life-Cycle Approach for Sustainable and inclusive Population and Development in Thailand" to emphasize different needs and recommendations from different population groups i.e. youth, older people, people with disabilities, academia and private sector on population and development that leaves no one behind. Participants also engage in a collaborative discussion regarding potential strategic investments across all demographic groups in order to achieve a shared sustainable future in Thailand in the face of population ageing and low fertility. Furthermore, this year, UNFPA are collaborating with Ms. Christina Aguilar, the Champion of UNFPA Thailand, as well as Ninja Perfection Co., Ltd., TV Burapha Co., Ltd., and other relevant partners, to organize the Her Awards: UNFPA Thailand 2024. This event is intended to recognize and express gratitude to those who contribute to the advancement of women and inclusive population development. The results will be disclosed in September of this year,” stated Ms. Siriluck.

The opening remarks by Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Country Director of UNFPA Thailand and Representative of UNFPA Malaysia

UNFPA Thailand celebrated and promoted the World Population Day 2024 and 30 years of the International Conference on Population and Development #NBT2HD