Summary (English)

Over the last decades, Thailand has made remarkable progress in advancing human development and now stands ready to share its experiences with other middle-income and developing countries. At the same time, Thailand continues to address internal disparities, both regionally and among social groups.

The UN System has developed this United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) with the Royal Thai Government (RTG). The UNPAF builds on the Common Country Assessment (CCA) drafted by the UN Country Team (UNCT) in consultation with the RTG and other development partners. It is fully aligned with national development policies and aims to reduce disparities in the Kingdom and enhance Thailand’s capacity to fully realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including the eighth MDG on global partnership for development.

This UNPAF is based on a mutually beneficial partnership between the UN and the RTG in areas of strategic importance to Thailand as a middle-income country. Moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient relationship, the UN Country Team in Thailand is engaged in a two-way exchange of knowledge and expertise.The UN is now positioned as an international gateway for Thailand to access international expertise and policy advice; equally, the UN learns from Thailand and shares development successes and lessons learned from other countries. To reflect this new strategic approach, this document is referred to as the UNPAF instead of the traditional United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

The UN will support national efforts in making the MDGs a reality for all by reaching out to those areas and groups who are not benefiting from the country’s rapid economic progress. Taking a human-rights approach to programming, the UNPAF aims to empower the most vulnerable people in society to claim their rights to live in dignity, free from fear and want; and to build the capacity of people in responsible positions to fulfill their societal obligations. Focused interventions will be undertaken in the following five areas of cooperation:

1. Access to quality social services and protection;

2. Decentralization and provincial/local governance;

3. Access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support;

4. Environment and natural resources management; and

5. Global partnership for development – Thailand’s contribution.

The implementation of this UNPAF is designed to maximize impact while minimizing transaction costs. Joint programmes fully aligned with national priorities will be developed wherever possible.