The Cabinet has approved the draft declaration on “Sustainable Cities Development,” aiming to reduce inequality and enhance quality of life, preparing to endorse the draft at the United Nations forum in New York on 16-17 July 2026 GMT+7.
On 14 July 2026 GMT+7, Captain Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet approved the first political draft declaration (Zero Draft) to affirm commitment and accelerate actions under the new urban development agenda. This was proposed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The Cabinet also authorized the head of the Thai delegation to join the endorsement of this draft declaration at the high-level midterm review meeting of the new urban development agenda in New York, USA, on 16-17 July 2026 GMT+7.
At this forum, the draft declaration will be endorsed without signatures, focusing on driving sustainable urban development with seven core priorities: 1. Address urban issues by reducing inequality, housing crises, and climate impacts; 2. Assist vulnerable groups and support the homeless; 3. Stimulate the economy by supporting SMEs and developing workforce skills; 4. Enhance disaster response; 5. Decentralize authority by empowering local governments and involving the private sector and citizens in development; 6. Utilize digital systems and AI for city management; and 7. Monitor progress by creating evaluation mechanisms in cooperation with the United Nations.
Captain Phatdarasmi stated that joining this endorsement not only elevates Thailand’s image on the global stage but also facilitates knowledge and technology exchange with the international community. Thailand can apply these principles to strengthen urban planning and housing systems domestically, ensuring they are robust, inclusive, and sustainable over the long term.