Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, says, "CPG has supported US$50,000 for UNDP as an initial budget to fund the promotion of Thai youths and start-ups to create a social innovation for development, in line with the CPG's sustainability policy and the SDGs. To mark this cooperation between the two sides, CP signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UNDP today (March 10, 2017)."

"CPG has operated its business by adhering to the 3-benefit philosophy which means the benefits should go to 'first, the country where we invest, the society where we operate, and finally, the company' for a long time. Moreover, it has attached importance to the 17 SDGs, which cover social, economic and environmental dimensions. CPG is pleased to work with UNDP in Thailand in order to promote activities for sustainable development" Mr. Supachai said while witnessing the MoU signing.

The signing ceremony of the MoU to push the SDGs ahead is held at Central Grand at Central World Hotel. Noppadol Dej-udom, CPG's Vice President for Sustainability, Good Governance, and Corporate Communications and Mr. Martin Hart-Hansen, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Thailand, represent their respective organizations to sign the MoU.

Ms. Helen Clark, Administrator of UNDP (New Zealand's Former Prime Minister), Mr. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand, also witness the signing ceremony.

Beyond the financial support of US$50,000 as the initial fund to promote Thai youths and start-ups to create social innovation under the MoU, under the MOU, CPG has also supported UNDP in a joint development projects for sustainable production and consumption throughout supply chain; anti-corruption projects; and publicity activities to promote SDGs.

Mr. Hart-Hansen says that cooperation with CPG, as business representative, is a new dimension for business cooperation to promote sustainable development. "UNDP is the worldwide network of the United Nations, which has a role in promoting change and connection with countries. We have a body of knowledge to help people around the world get a better life. In Thailand, UNDP cooperates with the private sector with high potential like Charoen Pokphand Group, which is committed to driving changes under the UN framework. This is a new dimension in business cooperation and sustainable development as a means of cooperation in setting up the Social Innovation for Development Center. Moreover, it'll attract youths and start-ups to help gather ideas for innovation to solve social problems."