Mr. President,

My delegation extends its gratitude to UNICEF colleagues for presenting a roadmap to the development of UNICEF's new Strategic Plan, outlining the key phases and consultations for the remainder of 2025. A comprehensive roadmap is essential for formulating a forward-looking Strategic Plan, aimed at setting priorities, allocating resources, and addressing the most pressing challenges faced by children.

In this regard, drawing from our national experience, my delegation wishes to recommend that the next Strategic Plan emphasize the following key areas:

First, Early Childhood Development: We firmly believe that investments in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life (from conception to the second birthday) yield significant returns. These investments shape a child’s future potential and contribute to the development of robust human capital.

Second, Climate Resilience: With increasing natural disasters, such as Typhoon Yagi in our own experience, we have witnessed children’s heightened vulnerability to climate shocks. We encourage UNICEF to continue supporting efforts to integrate climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into health, education, and child protection systems.

Third, Data and Digital Transformation: Our success in improving immunization rates through the use of electronic registries demonstrates the transformative potential of innovative technologies. We urge UNICEF to enhance its focus on digital solutions to improve service delivery, accountability, and outcomes for children.

We are of the view that the proposed framework presents a timely and ambitious vision to address emerging global challenges - especially in the areas of health, nutrition, education, and child protection - within an ever-evolving global context.

In closing, allow me to reiterate that adequate resources, multi-stakeholder engagement, and strong political leadership remain pivotal to achieving and sustaining progress. The Lao PDR remains committed to collaborating with UNICEF and partners to develop a Strategic Plan that is both ambitious and pragmatic, ensuring that children’s voices, needs, and rights are at the forefront of global, regional, and national development efforts.

Thank you.