The Cabinet has approved the draft "Baku Declaration" to advance societies across all age groups in Asia-Pacific, preparing to endorse it on 24 April in Bangkok.
On 21 April 2026 at Government House, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved the draft "Baku Declaration on Promoting Human Development to Drive Societies for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific," as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Cabinet assigned the head of the Thai delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs or their representative, to participate in endorsing the draft declaration at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), scheduled from 20 to 24 April 2026 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, with the endorsement planned for 24 April 2026.
Ms. Lalida said the key points of the draft Baku Declaration focus on comprehensive human development across all ages under the principle of "leaving no one behind." It emphasizes creating quality employment opportunities, developing workforce skills especially in digital and innovation fields, promoting the roles of women and youth, improving the quality of life for the elderly, and expanding opportunities for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities to access employment and entrepreneurship equally.
Additionally, it highlights the importance of developing accessible, integrated public health services centered on the people, as well as promoting regional cooperation in exchanging knowledge and best practices.
"Thailand's participation in endorsing this declaration reflects its proactive role in driving international cooperation to improve the quality of life in all dimensions and to build an inclusive society for all ages sustainably," she said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the draft declaration is not a treaty with legally binding international obligations and does not fall under the definition of a treaty according to Section 178 of the Constitution. If non-substantive amendments are necessary that do not affect national interests, they can be made without requiring further Cabinet approval.