Bangkok Becomes First City in Asia-Pacific to Achieve UNDP Gold Certification for Gender Equality

Bangkok has become the first public institution in Asia and the Pacific to receive the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gold Gender Equality Seal, achieving an outstanding score of 94.8 percent in its final evaluation. The certification recognizes the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s strong institutional commitment to advancing gender equality through inclusive governance, policy integration, and responsive public services.

Bangkok began its Gender Equality Seal journey in August 2023, initially meeting only 8 percent of the programme’s targets. Within two years, the city demonstrated significant progress, fulfilling 38 out of 40 indicators. The assessment examined how gender equality is integrated into municipal policies, budgeting, service delivery, workplace practices, and measures addressing gender-based violence and public safety.

As part of the initiative, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration incorporated gender considerations into more than 200 municipal projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5. These efforts include expanding access to inclusive public services, strengthening safety measures in urban areas, and improving data-driven policymaking through sex-disaggregated data. The city also implemented initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access to services and enhancing community well-being, contributing to a reduction in the gender wage gap and increased representation of women in leadership roles.

The administration has also strengthened inclusive workplace policies, supporting work-life balance and promoting equal opportunities across its workforce. Progress toward gender parity in leadership positions further reflects the city’s commitment to removing structural barriers and advancing equality within public institutions.

This achievement highlights Bangkok’s role as a regional leader in inclusive urban governance and demonstrates that meaningful progress on gender equality can be achieved through sustained policy integration and institutional reform. The milestone reinforces Bangkok’s position as a model for cities seeking to promote equity, diversity, and inclusive development, while supporting broader national and global efforts to advance gender equality.