Thailand will host the ACWC – ACW and the ACW +3 Meetings in Phuket

Mr. Narong KhongKham, spokesman of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) said today (4 September 2017) that, Mr. Maitri Inthusut, the Permanent Secretary of MSDHS presided over the press conference on ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) and Related Meetings, which will take place during the 4th – 8th September 2017 at the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. Mr. Maitri Inthusut said that MSDHS as the host country, will welcome 80 participants: Children’s rights and Women’s rights experts, International organizations, government officers from 10 ASEAN countries; Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. And the ASEAN Committee on Women +3, China, Japan and South Korea will also join the Meeting. The ACWC – ACW and Related Meetings are organized annually by the ASEAN Secretariat, as the Secretary of the two ASEAN Mechanisms.

Mr. Maitri Inthusut said, “it is an honour for Thailand to host this significant event and these 4 important meetings” ; 1) the 15th ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) Meeting on the 4 – 6 September 2017, 2) the 4th ACWC – ACW Consultation Meeting on the 6 September 2017, 3) the 16th ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) Meeting on the 7 September 2017, and 4) the 9th ASEAN Committee on Women + 3 (ACW+3) on the 8 September 2017. The objective is monitor the progress of the ACWC and ACW work plans 2016 – 2020 and to share ideas, experiences and lessons learned to archive gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in the ASEAN context. It is also the opportunity to build up the network and partnership among ACW agencies in ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN +3 countries.

Mr. Maitri Inthusut said, “Being the host for these ACWC – ACW Meetings is a great opportunity for Thailand to show our commitment and engagement in implementation of protection of women’s and children’s rights and promotion of gender equality. It is also to show other ASEAN countries and the rest of the world our precious culture”.
“The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, as the host of the Meetings, would like to encourage all Thai citizen to welcome our guests and to be proud of our role as the host country. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of our partners who participate in the preparation of these meetings.”