On 19 February 2026, NXPO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen policy innovation, enhance science and technology collaboration, and promote inclusive digital transformation—aimed at boosting Thailand’s competitiveness and resilience. The MoU was signed by Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of NXPO, and Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand.
In his remarks, Dr. Surachai underscored NXPO’s role as the secretariat to the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising Cabinet members from multiple ministries as well as senior private-sector leaders. The Council is mandated to formulate and drive national policies on higher education, science, research, and innovation. He noted that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and international best practices to advance Thailand’s long-term development vision. The MoU will facilitate expanded collaboration across strategic priority areas, scale up existing initiatives, explore new opportunities, and accelerate positive impacts at both national and regional levels.
The collaboration will focus on five key pillars: 1) policy innovation, 2) science, technology, and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 3) climate action and resilience, 4) just energy transition and green workforce development, and 5) inclusive digital transformation. Through this partnership, both organizations will exchange knowledge, co-develop implementation strategies, and mobilize expertise and networks to support Thailand’s long-term development pathway.
Ms. Niamh Collier-Smith emphasized that the collaboration will strengthen Thailand’s investment in science, technology, and policy innovation to advance critical national priorities. By harnessing innovation to generate positive impacts for people and the planet, the partnership will also support citizens in adapting to rapid technological change and artificial intelligence—ensuring that technological advancement helps reduce inequality.
The partnership will further advance joint initiatives in environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, and social inclusion. It will leverage policy innovation platforms such as Thailand Policy Lab (TP Lab), jointly established by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and UNDP. NXPO’s expertise in science and technology will strengthen TP Lab’s people-centered policy design approach, contributing to the development of responsive, evidence-based, and future-ready public policies and services. Together, NXPO and UNDP will drive innovation to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness while reinforcing adaptive capacity—ensuring sustainable, inclusive progress for all.
