Epilogue by His Excellency Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
We hope readers have found this volume useful as a snapshot of some examples of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s ideas and projects brought to fruition under SEP-inspired initiatives by various sectors throughout the Kingdom. These are well in tune with global efforts towards sustainable development now embodied in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the grief and sorrow continues to reverberate throughout Thai communities here at home and beyond for His Majesty’s passing, his methods, theories and practical guidance, the outcome of selfless devotion and hard work throughout his 70-year reign, will remain alive and well as we continue to carry forward his legacy of SEP in every aspect of our lives.
As can be ascertained from the previous pages, the SEP’s principles and applications possess a universal character, of which Thailand is certain that it may be widely adapted according to specific circumstances and development needs in all corners of the globe, whether for individuals, communities, organizations or governments, at all levels and across many fields of endeavour.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand expresses its deepest gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the royal permission to translate into English, and publish herein, her special interview on His Majesty the Late King’s guiding principles for national development, graciously granted to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board in 2011.
I wish also to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Nobel Peace Laureate and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan, for providing a message to this volume. We recognise, in particular, Mr. Annan’s ongoing engagement and international leadership on a myriad of global peace and development issues, including through the Kofi Annan Foundation and his chairmanship of The Elders.
As His Majesty the Late King’s lasting gift to Thailand and the world, the Royal Thai Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with our partner agencies, is proud to continue to spread the message of SEP with a view to furthering international development cooperation under our “SEP for SDGs Partnership” programmes. This contribution by Thailand towards a sustainable future for all, in line with the SDG’s overarching pledge to leave no one behind, represents our continued commitment to sustainable global development in honour of the legacy of our beloved “Development King”.