Thailand showcases ASEAN-leading sustainability progress at UN forum

The UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 is a key platform for tracking and accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (Photo: thailand.prd.go.th)
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (Photo: thailand.prd.go.th)

Hanoi (NNT/VNA) – Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa led a delegation to the UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025 (HLPF2025) in New York, presenting Thailand's progress and its number one ranking in ASEAN for achieving sustainability goals.

The annual forum is a key platform for tracking and accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During his visit, the minister presented Thailand’s third Voluntary National Review, or VNR. This report reflects a decade of development based on data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and community-led direction. The report highlighted Thailand’s pride in ranking first in ASEAN and third in the Asia-Pacific on the SDG index, a result of collaboration across all sectors of Thai society.

Minister Maris explained that this year's VNR also emphasises grassroots public participation.

He co-launched a side event titled “Local to Global – Empowering Communities through Upcycled Innovation for Sustainable Growth.” This exhibition showcased the creativity of local Thai entrepreneurs in promoting a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable products, reflecting Thailand's vision for an inclusive and sustainable economy.

The minister stressed the urgency of accelerating progress, with only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the UN's adoption of the 2030 Agenda.

Thailand's report focused on three key areas. These include a statistical analysis of the SDG progress over the past decade, a presentation of the best practices and notable projects, and an analysis of challenges and strategies for the final five years, incorporating assessments from government and other sectors./.

VNA

See more

Large crowds are expected in the Orchard Road area on Christmas Eve. (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Singapore tightens security ahead of Christmas Eve

Singapore Police have announced enhanced security measures along Orchard Road, the city-state’s busiest shopping belt, as large crowds of residents and visitors are expected on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro after the Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) to discuss the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand. (Photo: BERNAMA)

Philippines ready to mediate in Thailand - Cambodia issue

"Following the discussions today, the Philippines said that it is prepared to assume the role of facilitator/mediator between Cambodia and Thailand should both parties decide to make use of the good offices of the Chair once the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in January 2026," the statement wrote.

Illustrative image (Source: da.gov.ph)

Philippines extends sugar import ban

The Philippine Government has decided to extend its ban on sugar imports until the end of December 2026, as domestic supply has improved. The move aims to continue protecting farmers and domestic producers, as well as stabilising the market.

Displaced people walk after receiving food at a temporary shelter amid clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, in Buriram province, Thailand, December 16, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

ASEAN seeks solutions to Cambodia–Thailand border tensions

ASEAN Chair Malaysia underscored the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, while calling on Cambodia and Thailand to fully implement agreements already signed in order to resolve the prolonged tensions along their shared border.

A strong magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the Maluku Sea near Pulau Mayu island, Indonesia, December 21, 2025, 9.21 pm local time (Photo: volcanodiscovery.com)

Indonesia records series of earthquakes in northern regions

At 9:21 on December 21 (local time), a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Ternate area in Indonesia's North Maluku province. The epicentre was located offshore, about 132 km northwest of Jailolo, at a depth of 30 km. The quake was caused by rock deformation along the Maluku Sea tectonic plate, with a reverse faulting mechanism.

Malaysia busts massive drug syndicate

Malaysia busts massive drug syndicate

An international drug syndicate was busted after Malaysian police seized over 18 tonnes of drugs worth nearly 375 million USD in one of the country’s biggest drug busts on record.

Indonesia will not import rice for either consumption or industrial use next year. (Photo: tempo.co)

Indonesia to stop rice imports next year

Indonesia's rice production in 2025 is projected to reach 34.77 million tonnes, up 13.54% year on year, driven by favourable weather and farmer support policies under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.