Background: The Regional Committee in Asia Pacific of the Conference of Non Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO RCAP) facilitates the participation of accredited civil society organizations in all UN activities. RCAP’s mission is to bolster the voice of civil society throughout the Asia Pacific region, with particular focus on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030.
The 7th Meeting of the CoNGO RCAP took place at Siam University in Bangkok, Thailand, on 25-26 April 2025. Mondhiya Bhangsbha, International President, who represents PPSEAWA on the RCAP Steering Committee, was
present for the RCAP meeting.
The first session of the RCAP Meeting on April 25th centered on presentations by civil society organizations in the Asia-Pacific region. The CSOs submitted papers prior to the meeting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals which will be reviewed during the High Level Political Forum at the United Nations New York, planned for July 2025. The CSOs presented their efforts towards implementation of sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based activities related to these goals:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being);
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality);
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth);
- SDG 14 (Life below Water);
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
The second session on April 26th, was based on a panel discussion entitled “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-
based solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals”. The panel was moderated by Cyril Ritchie, CoNGO First Vice President, and
included a video statement from Liberato Bautista, CoNGO President. Panelists included:
- Chanita Rukspollmuang, Vice President, Siam University
- Fred Chen, President, Taiwan Creative Economy Association (TCEA)
- Lisa Fong, Representative to UNESCAP, International Federation of Business & Professional Women (IFBPW)
- Clara Kwan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), SMF Primary Member of Confederation
of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), Asia Pacific Green Alliance (APGA) - Peter C. L. Lin, Chairperson, STUF United Fund - Asia Pacific Center
- Hiro Sakurai, Representative to the UN, Director, Office for UN Affairs, New York, Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
The RCAP Meeting was held during the 81st Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 21-25 April 2025”.
PPSEAWA International is deeply appreciative of the hospitality provided by Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, President, Siam University.