Bangkok: Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), inaugurated the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference, which runs from November 19-21, 2024, is attended by Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, along with other ministry executives.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut welcomed attendees on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and expressed gratitude to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) and the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific for organizing this significant event. He emphasized the importance of the conference as a pivotal moment in upholding the commitments stipulated in the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action (BPfA), particularly the agenda that asserts ‘Human rights are women’s rights… and women’s rights ar
e human rights.’
In his address, Mr. Varawut highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the BPfA in 2025. He acknowledged the global efforts made to promote gender equality and empower women, while pointing out the persistent challenges of gender-based violence and discrimination. Additionally, he noted the exacerbating effects of climate change, economic instability, and other crises on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, highlighting the need for increased investment and political commitment.
Mr. Varawut called for intensified efforts to achieve gender equality, advocating for the involvement of men and boys as allies and agents of change. He reiterated Thailand’s dedication to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQI+ individuals. A significant milestone in this commitment is the enactment of the ‘Marriage Equality Act,’ set to take effect on January 22, 2025, making Thailand a leade
r in legalizing marriage equality in Southeast Asia.
With the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women approaching, Mr. Varawut expressed hope that the Ministerial Meeting would build regional consensus on accelerating the implementation of BPfA commitments. He assured that Thailand is prepared to collaborate with ESCAP member states, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.