The Thaksin authorities in Thailand is pursuing the purpose (dream?) of getting Deputy Prime Minister Surakiat Sathirathai appointed U.N. Secretary Basic after the top of Kofi Annan’s time period in January 2007.
Right here’s a a lot better thought: Again the decision made by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on the 60th Basic Meeting session to maneuver the U.N. out of New York — and nominate Bangkok because the alternate venue!!
Listed beneath are 10 irrefutable causes for a transfer that can yield far superior long-term advantages for Thailand – and the world — than a mere five-year U.N. time period for Mr Surakiart.
The only real cause to contest them could also be that it’s going to upset the 800-pound gorilla and set off a retaliatory political and financial rampage. In that case, it would strengthen the argument for relocating the U.N. HQ.
So, within the spirit of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained,’ right here we go:
- Elementary to Buddhism is the idea that each one phenomena, each psychological and bodily, are impermanent with out exception. It may be indisputably argued that the U.N. presence in New York is momentary and can finally make an exit. President Chavez set that course of in movement. It solely wants decided help and follow-up.
- The ambiance of mistrust, lies, injustice, double requirements, hypocrisy, and stress ways within the U.N. and international boards is shockingly palpable and incongruous with the pursuit of world peace. On the US’s urging, the world was defrauded into mounting a brutal struggle primarily based on complete lies. Tens of hundreds of individuals have died, and the social, cultural, and financial penalties are being felt globally. Nobody has been held accountable. Is that this an indicator of ‘freedom and democracy’, ‘transparency and accountability’? A worldwide regime change is properly so as. Symbolically, transferring the HQ out of New York will sign an ideal begin to this new cycle of impermanence.
- In his U.N. basic meeting speech, Thai overseas minister Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon stated, “Cash being spent on arms and weapons continues to outpace cash being spent on sustaining lives. That is unacceptable.” The truth that the US is the world’s largest arms producer and exporter creates a contradiction between the peace-making objectives of the U.N. and its location in a rustic that makes a good-looking revenue by exporting weapons of dying and destruction. If Dr Kantathi actually means it when he used the phrase ‘unacceptable’, what does he plan to do about it?
- The worldwide centre of gravity is shifting to Asia, and Bangkok is true on the coronary heart of it. It’s roughly equidistant from each China and India, the 2 rising 800-pound gorillas. Each are residence to the overwhelming majority of younger individuals, the long run era that’s sadly being bequeathed most of the socio-cultural and environmental issues being created by this era. Suppose a brand new world order and certainly a brand new agenda is to evolve, with Asia taking the lead. In that case, the worldwide neighborhood wants to point that it’s prepared, in a position, and prepared to take that ahead.
- The worldwide neighborhood (and by that, I imply the true majority of worldwide neighborhood, not the minority membership of wealthy nations) persistently advocates for advancing South-South commerce and cooperation. A U.N. transfer to Asia will spur hyperlinks with Africa and Latin America in addition to spin-off contacts with regional and subregional commerce our bodies like ASEAN, SAARC, the GMS, and so on. If the US is residence to the Worldwide Financial Fund and World Financial institution, which have robust affect over international financial circumstances, a stability must be created by transferring the most important discussion board of political discussions to Asia.
- The U.N. is present process a strategy of reform. Critically contemplating relocating the U.N. needs to be a part of the dialogue, particularly if a reformed U.N. is to really replicate the angle of the growing world slightly than additional entrench the domination of developed nations. On the current Basic Meeting, many international leaders spoke passionately about the necessity to keep away from double requirements within the reform course of. Have they got the braveness to match the rhetoric with some motion?
- Bangkok is one among 5 cities that host U.N. regional commissions (the others being Geneva, Santiago, Beirut, and Addis Ababa). Nonetheless, none can match Bangkok when it comes to accessibility, value, and amenities. Regional places of work of all the most important United Nations businesses, equivalent to UNESCO, FAO, and WHO, are additionally primarily based in Bangkok. There’s a well-equipped convention centre that can possible require some fine-tuning and growth, however should not have any issues assembly the event.
- The advantages to the Thai economic system and tourism trade are a no brainer. U.N. delegations would require workplace house and housing, driving demand for actual property. Bangkok will successfully change into one other New York. The already vibrant social, cultural, and culinary scene will rise to additional heights, with all of the added advantages for arts and theatre, conference centres, accommodations, and so on. The brand new airport, scheduled to open subsequent yr, will entice extra airways, which, together with Thai Airways Worldwide, will be capable of faucet into higher-yield site visitors and increase journey to neighbouring nations. The lots of of journalists visiting Bangkok are anticipated to generate billions of baht value of free publicity.
- The next calls for for world-class providers and requirements will improve the standard of training and manpower, entice extra college curiosity, and create jobs for hundreds of Thais.
- Lastly, His Majesty the King’s self-sufficiency economic system idea and Bhutan’s Gross Nationwide Happiness are two theories which will properly at some point overcome the get-rich-quick, me-first mentality of capitalism. Capitalism and democracy are each flagships of the so-called ‘data economic system’, which may also fade away in keeping with the Buddha’s precept of impermanence. The way more sustainable, wisdom-based financial theories and ideas should be extra broadly aired globally. Having the U.N. HQ right here will assist them achieve great publicity.
Not a single one of many above causes will be disputed.
There is no such thing as a doubt {that a} U.N. transfer out of New York has the help of the worldwide neighborhood; the applause that greeted the Venezuelan President’s speech clearly confirmed that the need exists. Solely a means must be discovered.
As for the PM, he and his handlers will seize the chance it presents to boost his political profile, each regionally, regionally, and globally. That might be a potential 11th cause.
Given the huge availability of skilled diplomats in Thailand, initiating the lobbying course of shouldn’t be an issue in all international boards, not simply the United Nations.
In reality, Thailand may make a begin by calling for a rotation of the annual Basic Meeting classes, with the primary one being held in Bangkok. In any case, even ESCAP’s annual ministerial fee classes are moved round, regardless that the primary convention centre is right here.
If Bangkok doesn’t stake a declare now, one other metropolis in India or China (or even perhaps Singapore) is certain to take action sooner or later. Wherein case, Thailand might even wind up shedding ESCAP.
Because the promoting slogan of a footwear model says bluntly: Do It.
Supply: Journey Influence Newswire
