Newly appointed, GIZ Thailand and Malaysia Country Director, Mr. Reinhold Elges paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Secretary-General, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) on 1 September 2020.

Mr. Elges’ visit was joined by Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Natthanich Asvapoositkul, Director of Climate Change Management and Coordination Division, Dr. Kollawat Sakhakara, Director, Thailand UNFCCC Focal Point Section, Climate Change Management and Coordination Division of ONEP, Dr. Angkana Chalermpong, Director of Climate Policy Project, Thai-German Climate Programme, Mr. Heinrich Gudenus, Director of Risk NAP Project and the team from both organisations.

The meeting started with amicable introduction, discussion and exchange of opinions. Dr. Raweewan cordially welcomed to Mr. Elges, as saying, “I look forward to working with you and trust that you will deliver a great job, also with the support of your team…This is a very good start, the first step that we move forward. It shows that we can do a lot together with our strong cooperation.”

She shared with him and the team ONEP’s mandates, current activities, progress, the status of Thailand’s current environmental issues. Further, they exchanged on previous cooperation between Thailand and the Germany in the matters related to the work of climate change as well as the views on the impact of COVID on the economy.

In the same respect, Mr. Elges expressed his appreciation on the warm welcome, sharing insight and optimistic spirits which would drive forward the climate change policy.

Mr. Elges ended the meeting with a good note that, “I have already understood that ONEP is an intellectual powerhouse of the Thai governmental administration on the environment issues. ONEP plays many different roles in supporting other actors, advocate for good causes and negotiate for change. I am excited to learn more about it. I would like to congratulate you for your achievements and I assure you that we are committed to continue supporting you as best as we can. We are more than willing to do so.”

As a key partner to GIZ Thailand, ONEP is mandated to lead and coordinate climate policy development and implementation in Thailand. Since 2009, Thailand and Germany have been in close cooperation in the areas of climate and environment.