On 9 October 2024, at the Royal Thai Embassy, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, welcomed a courtesy call by Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Representative for Malaysia and Country Director for Thailand, with residence in Kuala Lumpur, on the occasion of Dr. Julitta’s assumption of her duty in June 2024.

 

The Ambassador welcomed and congratulated Dr. Julitta for the new appointment at UNFPA, which has played an important role in population-related issues, and expressed wishes that UNFPA would continue its active role as a partner of Thailand in working closely to further implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and as a development partner under the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). The Ambassador also reiterated Thailand's commitment to the SDGs 2030, including the enhancement of the accessibility and coverage of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, which continues to be social priorities of the current government, whereby Dr. Julitta also commended Thailand’s success and its instrumental role in ASEAN.

 

Both sides exchanged information and views on UNFPA's role and mission in Thailand and Malaysia, particularly in light of current challenges such as the aging society, climate change, technology and digital development. The importance of having a comprehensive database system for demographic analysis was also highlighted. The two sides reaffirmed their readiness to support each other's efforts and further promote good relations between the Royal Thai Embassy and UNFPA.