Thailand Promotes Blue Economy and Island Resilience at the 3rd China-Indian Ocean Forum

Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra emphasized Thailand’s role in marine conservation and Blue Economy development at Kunming, urging collaboration for innovation and sustainable practices to achieve SDGs.

Key Points

• Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra represented Thailand at the 3rd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming from December 15-16, 2024. He emphasized Thailand’s leadership in marine conservation and development in the context of the Blue Economy.
• In his keynote speech at the sub-forum, he highlighted Thailand’s role as a strategic partner in marine environmental conservation, referencing the ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris.
• Jalichandra called for collaboration among stakeholders to share experiences and innovations, essential for advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sustainable marine practices. The forum was co-hosted by multiple international entities, including the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

During the 3rd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation held from December 15 to 16, 2024, in Kunming, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Russ Jalichandra, emphasized Thailand’s pivotal role in marine conservation and the development of a sustainable Blue Economy. In his keynote address at the Sub-Forum themed “Forging a Disaster Response Barrier, and Jointly Building Cornerstones of Island Resilience,” Jalichandra articulated the nation’s commitment to marine environmental conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting efforts under the ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris.

The Vice Minister’s speech underscored the vital need for collective action among all stakeholders involved in marine conservation. He called for collaborative endeavors to facilitate the sharing of experiences and innovations, which he identified as essential drivers for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By fostering partnerships and leveraging regional strengths, Jalichandra argued, nations could better address challenges posed by marine debris and other environmental threats.

The forum was co-hosted by notable entities, including the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the Republic of Maldives, Barbados, and Yunnan Province, with the overarching theme of “Future of the Blue Indian Ocean-Development Practice of the Global South.” This collaborative platform provided an opportunity for nations to explore sustainable practices in marine resource management and enhance resilience against environmental disasters.

Jalichandra’s call for heightened cooperation reflects a broader recognition of the interdependence among nations in tackling marine conservation challenges and advancing sustainable economic development, thus reinforcing Thailand’s leadership in the region’s marine conservation efforts and Blue Economy initiatives.