Mr. President,

Mr. Administrator,

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

1. The Lao PDR would like to express its appreciation to UNDP Assistant Administrator Kanni Wignaraja for presenting the new Country Programme Documents (CPDs). We welcome the new UNDP Country Programme Document for the Lao PDR for 2027–2031.

2. We highly values UNDP as an important and longstanding development partner. The new CPD reflects our national context and development trajectory, while reinforcing our shared commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and leaving no one behind. We particularly welcome its alignment with our 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), the Lao PDR’s Smooth Transition Strategy for LDC graduation, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2027–2031.

3. Over the past years, the Lao PDR has made important development gains and continues to advance towards graduation from LDC status. At the same time, we face persistent challenges, including fiscal constraints, climate vulnerabilities, and the enduring impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO). In this context, we appreciate that the new CPD responds to these challenges through three mutually reinforcing priorities: improving people’s well-being and capabilities; strengthening accountable, responsive and inclusive institutions; and advancing a greener, more diversified and climate-resilient economy.

4. We also welcome UNDP’s continued support in strengthening human capital and public service delivery, promoting effective governance and institutional modernization, expanding development financing and fiscal space, and supporting sustainable value chains and livelihoods. These areas are highly relevant to our national priorities and will contribute to more inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.

5. My delegation also appreciates the extensive consultations undertaken with the Government of the Lao PDR and relevant partners in developing the CPD. We look forward to its effective implementation through continued coordination among the Government, UNDP, the UN system and development partners.

6. In conclusion, the Lao PDR expresses its full support for the CPD for 2027–2031 and looks forward to its endorsement by the Executive Board. We remain committed to continuing working closely on partnership with UNDP and other development partners in advancing sustainable development and effectively implementing CPD.

I thank you.