On December 2, 2025, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council organized the “Balanced Steps 2025” forum to raise awareness, promote participation, and disseminate progress on Thailand’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation under the concept “Balanced Steps Forward Together for a Sustainable Tomorrow” at Hall 3, Lido Connect, Siam Square. The forum aimed to highlight the potential of vulnerable groups as key drivers of SDGs and to transform perspectives on vulnerable groups as important development partners and drivers of the country, ensuring no one is left behind. Ms. Sasithon Palattadej, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, delivered the opening remarks.
The “Balanced Steps 2025” forum consisted of two sessions with two topics: “From Vulnerability to Sustainable Development Force” and “Cross-Generational Collaboration for Inclusive Sustainable Partnership.” The discussions featured speakers from various sectors. Additionally, the event included exhibition booths under the concept “Balanced Steps Forward Together for a Sustainable Tomorrow” from development networks including the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Equitable Education Fund, Mirror Foundation, and Brain Bank of Thai Development Foundation. The event also featured photo opportunities, eco-friendly souvenirs, and commemorative items made by the Thai Autistic Foundation.
On this occasion, the Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the remaining 5 years, the key to sustainability is leaving no one behind. The forum thus serves as an opportunity to harness the participatory power of all sectors to drive Thailand towards sustainable development.
In both sessions of the forum, speakers engaged in beneficial discussions to raise awareness and accelerate the empowerment of all sectors to participate in driving Thailand towards sustainability, summarized as follows:
The first session on “From Vulnerability to Sustainable Development Force” featured speakers including: (1) Ms. Kwansuda Puangkitja, Paralympic Taekwondo athlete, who emphasized that what vulnerable groups need most is to live normally in society and be self-reliant without requiring assistance from others; (2) Ms. Usa Lertsrisuntad, Director of the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, who suggested that providing safe spaces for women and children to establish themselves and grow would transform crisis into opportunity, leading to quality population growth and strong national foundations; (3) Mr. Sathaporn Pongpipattawat, Head of Communications and Corporate
Image, Thailand Institute of Justice, who advocated for providing opportunities to former inmates, emphasizing effective rehabilitation mechanisms; (4) Ms. Thanyaporn Krichtitayawut, Director of Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), who emphasized strengthening communities as the country’s foundation through knowledge development; and (5) Ms. Metta Raseejun, Director of Social Equality and Equity Development Strategy Group, NESDC, who noted that while government policies may not enable everyone to be self-sufficient, they must guide vulnerable groups through crises by implementing concrete policies and plans.
The second session on “Cross-Generational Collaboration: Sustainable Partnership Leaving No One Behind” featured speakers including: (1) Mr. Pakornwit Wiangsriphanawan, Co-founder of RTUS-Bangkok, who emphasized the importance of rapidly engaging people from all sectors, age groups, workers, and entrepreneurs in networks; (2) Mr. Kanchit Khemchalerm, Thai Development Foundation board member and Brain Bank senior volunteer from Chachoengsao, who called for greater community, private sector, and government collaboration; (3) Mr. Eakchai Supakul, Project Management Manager of Sanpalang Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., who viewed cross-generational collaboration as both an opportunity and challenge; (4) Ms. La-ongdao Seejanchaeng, Social Welfare Promotion Specialist, Department of Social Development and Welfare, who suggested mindset adjustments across generations; and (5) Mr. Sompong Srakaew, Director and Founder of Labor Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN), who emphasized the importance of protecting migrant workers and developing human capital.
The “Balanced Steps 2025” forum reflects Thailand’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable society by providing a platform for all groups, including youth, elderly, government workers, private sector, civil society, and vulnerable individuals, to share their diverse experiences and perspectives. This forum represents an important step in driving SDGs implementation, focusing on participatory development where everyone moves forward together at a balanced pace, leading to genuine sustainable future.
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International Strategy and Coordination Division
