Preparing to Present Follow-up Proposals and Policy Adjustments with "Act Now" Cooperation, Expressing Gratitude to Networks and United MSDHS
Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), delivered closing remarks and officially concluded the Social Development Expo 2025 (SDx 2025) under the concept "Demographic and Climate Crises." The event served as a national and international platform to strengthen cooperation among network partners across all sectors, both domestic and international, for preparedness and management of "overlapping crises: demographic structure and climate change." The expo also aimed to communicate the Ministry's key policies for protecting vulnerable groups from these overlapping crises, held at Ballroom Hall 1-4, 1st Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.
Mr. Anukul expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ministry to all network partners from domestic and international sectors who collaborated to make Social Development Expo 2025 (SDx 2025) a resounding success. The event was honored by representatives from over 30 embassies in Thailand, more than 20 international organizations and network partners, along with numerous executives and representatives from both public and private sectors. The expo attracted over 10,000 participants under the concept "Demographic and Climate Crises," reflecting the challenges posed by overlapping crises of demographic structure and climate change that impact sustainable development, particularly social development and human security.
The expo featured significant activities aimed at elevating social development to prevent and address crisis issues through knowledge exchange and joint commitment declarations among network partners across all sectors - government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations.
On the first day, panel discussions and exchanges of knowledge centered on two critical topics: "Demographic and Climate Crises: Challenges and Opportunities" and "Demographic and Climate Crises: Changing the Future Together." The discussions underscored how demographic and climate crises profoundly affect vulnerable groups including children, youth, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, and marginalized populations. They emphasized the need for sustainable solutions guided by the principle of "Leaving No One Behind." These included designing safe, livable, and inclusive cities; developing climate-smart, people-centered policies integrated with social protection systems; fostering cooperation from local to global levels; and strengthening community participation and resilience, particularly among vulnerable groups. The day concluded with presentations from ASEAN children, who expressed their aspirations on three pressing issues: promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring access to quality education free from discrimination, including for children affected by migration, and guaranteeing children's rights and protection.
On the second day, policy-focused dialogues were held alongside World Cafe sessions. Policy discussions highlighted integration across multiple dimensions, including social protection, social innovation and technology, data management and research, infrastructure investment particularly in early warning systems, and regional cooperation for population welfare.
The World Cafe sessions gathered perspectives from all stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, international organizations, and media on addressing overlapping crises. Key recommendations included strengthening child and youth development programs, reinforcing family relationships especially in caring for older persons as countries enter a super-aged society, positioning families as the foundation of society, promoting good quality of life and technological literacy for all, and raising awareness across all population groups about emerging risks and preparedness strategies.
The expo also featured a five-zone exhibition showcasing challenges, responses, and opportunities arising from overlapping crises, developed in partnership with networks across all sectors.
Mr. Anukul stated that during this morning's session, there was an exchange of views along with recommendations from ambassadors of various countries and representatives of international organizations. They proposed policy suggestions that included integrating efforts between the public and private sectors, implementing initiatives that take into account economic policies alongside innovation and technology, investing in basic infrastructure with particular consideration for at-risk communities and areas, developing environmentally friendly cities, and establishing integration mechanisms in accordance with relevant laws. Most importantly, they emphasized the need for cooperation under the principle of "Act Now."
Although SDx 2025 concluded successfully, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preparing for SDx 2026, with continued support from the media in communicating social and welfare issues to the public and ensuring inclusive participation. The recommendations collected during this event will be fast-tracked for implementation and review before being presented to the government for joint policy formulation. They will also be conveyed to relevant agencies for consideration in adjusting policies and revising economic and social development plans.
"I hope that SDx 2025 will serve as a catalyst for network partners across all sectors and provide a foundation for joint action to overcome these overlapping crises. The Ministry expresses its deepest gratitude to all who honored us with their participation: embassies in Thailand, international organizations, partners across government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Finally, the success of this event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our United MSDHS, all personnel of the Ministry," Mr. Anukul concluded.