MHESI Announces Commitment to Advancing Global Goals through Science, Technology, and Innovation at the UN STI Forum in New York

From 6 to 8 May 2025, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of Thailand, led by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of MHESI, and Mr. Thitidej Tularak, Minister Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation), participated in the 10th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum 2025) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. During the Forum, Ms. Supamas reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation, emphasizing the use of technology to promote fairness, equality, and inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind. She highlighted Thailand’s focus on accelerating the development of deep technologies, health innovation, gender equality, economic transformation, marine ecosystem sustainability, and international cooperation, including the advancement of digital health systems and medical innovation to enhance quality of life for both Thai citizens and international partners.

The Minister further outlined proactive policies to promote gender equality in Thailand’s innovation ecosystem, directing the ministry to support women in science, technology, and innovation through three main strategies: establishing a female leadership incubator in science, expanding specialized research grants for women in emerging technology fields such as AI, clean energy, and bio-economy, and building regional and international cooperation networks-particularly through the UN-to facilitate knowledge exchange among female researchers in ASEAN.

On 9 May 2025, representatives from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand, led by Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Ph.D. and Prof. Vissanu Meeyoo, , Ph.D., and Mr. Thitidej Tularak, met with experts from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), including Mr. Riad Meddeb, Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub, Ms. Nazneen Ahmed, Policy Advisor, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Reina Otsuka, Lead for Digital Innovation for Nature, Climate and Energy, Ms. Kimberly Todd, Head of Climate Data and Analysis และ Mr. Heriberto Tapia, Advisor, Research and Strategic Partnerships, Human Development Report Office, to discuss future collaboration. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships between Thai agencies and the UNDP, particularly in Impact Measurement and Management (IMM). The delegation expressed interest in joint research on global challenges such as green economic transition, disaster management, pollution reduction, biodiversity conservation, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science-based policy.