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20 years later, less than 30 percent is transferred to local administrative
organization and not much more has happened. It seems decisions are taken in
Bangkok, solutions are to be found in Bangkok. This has been repeated to me
many times when I question local executives and ask them how do they solve
problems at local level: they go to Bangkok. But many would also argue that both
inequalities and democracy are best addressed at local level, thus calling for a more
decentralized political and administrative system. Inequalities differ from one location
to another. Determinants of inequality are geographically specific as they relate to
the type of economic opportunities available in a specific location, to the geographic
and topographic isolation of the area, to the climate and natural resources available
in the area.

Solutions to address these inequalities and their root causes need to be
informed by the local realities and best defined and implemented by authorities that
are cognizant of these. Similarly, democracy as a system that values citizen
participation and inclusion is more direct and, some argue, efficient if performed

applying the principle of subsidiarity, meaning keeping the distance between
decision and implementation of the decision shortest. Ensuring local governments
are elected by citizens, are empowered to implement policies, raise revenues and
allocate resources, all based on an understanding and acknowledgement of the

socio-economic realities as well as the aspirations and interests of the local
communities are not only elements of local democracy but also tools to addressing
more efficiently inequalities. Decentralization reinforcing a democratic system
therefore appears as a potentially powerful approach to addressing inequalities

through empowerment.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, As mentioned earlier, all these
considerations are not based on conclusive academic research, but based on
observation and experience and there are as many counter examples as there are
Keynote Speaker and a strong understanding of local cultural and historical context are very
success stories.

More than 20 years of development practice have taught me that pragmatism

important when looking for development solutions to challenges that are increasingly

complex, unpredictable and volatile.

Nevertheless, We can convinced that Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs offer an
amazing and unique framework to addressing many of these challenges, including