Thai PM pushes implementation of SDGs at UN General Assembly
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to accelerate plans for Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) while attending the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (Photo: VNA)
Bangkok (VNA)– Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called on the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN) to accelerate plans for Sustainable Development Goals(SGDs) while attending the 74th session of the United NationsGeneral Assembly in New York on September 25.
As Chair of ASEAN 2019, PMPrayut urged a greater regional trade partnership and public participation, aswell as efforts to protect the environment and boost welfare in ageingsocieties.
"If we want to pass on a sustainable world toour children and grandchildren, there is no time to waste. Therefore, we mustact now, act quickly, and do more together in partnership," local mediaquoted the PM as saying.
Prayut said the bloc shouldenhance connectivity, tackle inequalities through science and technology, andprotect the environment, especially through the responsible use of naturalresources and curbing marine pollution.
He also stressed that theASEAN needs to localise SDGs, keeping the goals relevant by encouraging localparticipation, empowering communities by expanding financial access, andadjusting related initiatives to the needs of an ageing society.
The Thai PM called forgreater cooperation in promoting free trade through regional initiatives suchas the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Smart CitiesNetwork./.
About 81 percent of patients questioned said they are satisfied with medical services in Vietnam, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien cited an independent survey while delivering a speech at a United Nations meeting on September 23.
Vietnam, together with 40 countries worldwide, has aligned itself to the voluntary global pledge “For every child, every right” to ensure no one is left behind, and to support every child to reach their full potential, said Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the UN on September 25.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.