General Anantaporn Kanjanarat, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security 

Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul, the President of BPW (The Federation of Business and Professional Women of Thailand

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, I am honored and privileged to be here tonight to witness the success of the Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Association of Thailand and to celebrate the great of accomplishments of the “Outstanding Women Leaders for Green Growth” award winners.

As we are all aware, In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, UNDP, through its presence in over 170 countries, is working together with our host governments and partners to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change and put the world on a sustainable path. 

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

In Thailand, within the framework of UNDP’s approved Country Programme for the period 2017-2011, a key priority is the promotion of green and inclusive growth for sustainable development. We do so by supporting implementation of programmes and projects in partnership with both government and non-government partners that will put Thailand on a sustainable path by supporting the country to meet its national plan and strategies and international commitments that Thailand has ratified.

For example, in line with Thailand’s vision to promote sustainable economic and social growth that is environmentally-friendly, UNDP in partnership with Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) is currently supporting the achievement of Low Carbon Growth in selected Cities in the country through sustainable Urban Systems Management – focusing in particular on waste management, sustainable transport and efficient use of energy. 

I am very pleased to see the crucial role that women are playing in Thailand with a view to contributing to green growth. It is also a clear indication that women can indeed make great accomplishments and the possibilities are endless when there is an enabling environment which promotes gender equality and gender empowerment.  

I take this opportunity to thank The Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Associations of Thailand for their continuous strive towards supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women through all these years.

Regarding our awardees today, through their passion, dedication and commitment, they have shown that the Sustainable Development Goals can serve as a great opportunity for businesses – by providing a framework which enables a business to generate financial capital while at the same time contributing positively to the well-being of the community and the good of the environment.  

It is becoming increasingly clear that companies that do business responsibly and sustainably will be the business leaders of tomorrow. Sustainable development and economic success are not entirely separate goals – rather, they can and should seamlessly grow alongside one another. Our awardees tonight have shown that this is doable and we congratulate them for this! Our fellow businessmen and women can learn from these individuals and apply these strategies to their own businesses as a joint effort to create a sustainable society for our future generations. 

Let us also not forget about the other two equally important awards, the Financial Literacy Award, for individuals who have shown great financial responsibility and awareness, and the Outstanding Business and Professional Women Leaders Award, for individuals who have shown such great capabilities as a women leader.

All the awardees tonight are individuals who strive to operate their businesses responsibly and sustainably. The awardees have shown traits of resilience, adaptability and progressive thinking. These are the traits that separate great leaders from good leaders. 

Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all our awardees tonight – what an inspiration for everyone!

I wish you all a very nice evening.