Sweden and UNICEF Thailand promote paid parental leave.

October 31, 2024

The Embassy of Sweden Sweden, in collaboration with UNICEF Thailand and the United Nations Global Compact Thailand, proudly co-organized an event titled “Supporting Working Parents with Paid Parental Leave: Status, Sharing Experiences, and Next Steps.” This conference served as a crucial platform that brought together representatives from businesses and government to promote a shared mission: encouraging Thai workplaces to implement robust family-friendly policies.

The discussions centered on the transformative advantages of paid parental leave, emphasizing how such policies can significantly benefit child development, promote gender equality, and stimulate economic growth. A notable example highlighted during the event was the Swedish model, which allows parents to share a total of 480 days of paid leave. This approach illustrates how equitable parental leave policies can lead to increased employee satisfaction and enhanced productivity in the workplace.

During her speech, the Ambassador of Sweden stressed the significance of fostering an inclusive workforce. She painted a vision for the future, stating, “Imagine a future where every parent can bond with their child during those crucial early years. Paid parental leave is not just a benefit; it’s a win for everyone!” Her remarks underscored the belief that supporting families ultimately benefits society at large.

Additionally, the event featured a comprehensive study conducted by UNICEF and the Global Compact Network Thailand, which demonstrated the substantial impact that strengthening paid parental leave policies could have in Thailand. The study’s findings highlighted the myriad advantages these policies offer not only to children and parents but also to businesses and society as a whole.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in meaningful exchanges of insights and experiences while discussing actionable next steps. Their focus remained on implementing more family-friendly workplace policies across Thailand, paving the way for a supportive environment for working parents.

By working together, Sweden, UNICEF, and local organizations aspire to create a future in which every family can thrive. This collaboration is poised to contribute to the development of a happier and healthier workforce for all, reinforcing the importance of strong family-friendly policies in fostering a vibrant society.

Source: scandasia.com