Mr. President,

I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you for convening this timely Summit of the Future. The Summit would offer the most needed opportunity for us to renew our commitment and shared aspiration to seek the most appropriate solutions to the ongoing global problems and challenges.

In the current context of multi-faceted challenges, effective cooperation is a must to ensure both our survival and progress. We must redouble our effort to restore trust and confidence and to revitalize the international cooperation frameworks that are adaptable to the complexities of today’s geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes.

Mr. President,

The Lao PDR believes that the three pillars of sustainable development and the principles of peace and security are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. The achievement of one is contingent on the stability of the other. Therefore, we pledge our commitment to fostering global peace, security, and stability in alignment with the UN Charter and international law. Therefore, we endorse the ‘Pact for the Future’, that embodies 58 forward-thinking actions, which will not only rejuvenate our collective pursuit but also forge a more robust mechanism to 1) expedite SDG implementation through improved financing, 2) nurture the maintenance of international peace and security, 3) bolster science, technology, and innovation (STI) in tandem with digital cooperation, 4) safeguard the needs of future generations, and 5) reform global governance where necessary.

Mr. President,

The Lao PDR is deeply concerned by the increased SDG financing gap. We must acknowledge the urgency to provide predictable, sustainable, and adequate development finance from diverse sources to developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable ones. While the Pact articulates renewed commitments to financing, the true measure of our success lies in our ability to translate these commitments into tangible outcomes. On this note, we call for actionable financing frameworks, including the SDG Stimulus, Official Development Assistance (ODA), and private sector investments, to ensure that resources are made available.

My delegation welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) as a vital component of this ambitious Pact for the Future to harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks of using digital technologies. In addition, we support the bridging of STI divides and the responsible use of STI as drivers of sustainable development and build the necessary capacities for sustainable transformations. Therefore, it is essential to accelerate the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.

The youth and future generations play a crucial role in future prosperity. The Lao PDR strongly encourages the meaningful engagement of young people and creates a conducive environment that empowers them to realize their full potential. With 60 per cent of the total population is under the age of 30, our country has one of the youngest demographics in Southeast Asia, presenting a significant opportunity for economic and social development through the engagement of young people. Thus, we will continue to safeguard the interests of young people and future generations through commitments and means of implementation outlined in the Declaration on Future Generations.

At the global level, the Lao PDR supports UN reform, especially the UN Security Council in order to enhance its effectiveness, representation, accountability, and trust. Likewise, we envision that a revitalized UN General Assembly should have a crucial role in safeguarding peace and security, alongside a strengthened Economic and Social Council to advance the international development agenda.

Moreover, we also call for an urgent reform of the international financial architecture so they can be more inclusive and reflective of today's economic needs and political realities and provide an effective safety net for developing countries We believe that this can be achieved through greater participation of developing countries in the economic and development decision-making process, improved mobilization of capital from multilateral development banks, and enhanced access to concessional climate and development financing that addresses all vulnerabilities.

Mr. President,

We stand at a critical juncture - a moment filled with both extraordinary challenges and immense opportunities. As leaders, the decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on future generations. The more equitably we distribute resources and opportunities now, the more we pave the way for better outcomes for the next generations. It is time to call for united global actions as we bear the shared responsibility to inspire new hopes and drive meaningful changes.

Thank you