Mr. Chairman,
1. I join other delegations in extending my sincere congratulations to you and other members of the Bureau on your election to this Committee and assure you of our full support and cooperation.
2. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN respectively.
Mr. Chairman,
3. Amidst numerous challenges we are facing today, the international community must continue to renew our commitment to maintain global peace and security in order to create an environment conducive for sustainable development. It is utmost important for us to strongly promote peaceful dialogue and negotiations by upholding multilateralism and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
4. Towards this end, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation must remain at the core of all disarmament regimes, especially when global peace and security are at risk. The Lao PDR is of the view that, the NPT remains the cornerstone of
international efforts on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy since its entry into force for more than five decades.
5. Despite the efforts made during the intensive negotiations during the 10th NPT Review Conference, we were unable to reach a consensus on an outcome document. In this regard, my delegation encourages all State Parties to continue engaging in constructive and meaningful dialogue to reaffirm our collective efforts and commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
6. In this same vein, my delegation welcomes the successful convening of First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 21-23 June 2022 and hopes that the Treaty would contribute to the global objective of total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chairman,
7. To preserve global peace and security, the Lao PDR reiterates its strong support to the international efforts towards making our world free from nuclear weapons and other weapon of mass destruction. Against this backdrop, we emphasize the importance of full and effective implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and other treaties related to disarmament of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
8. In addition, the Lao PDR supports the full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (POA-SALW). We also
welcome the adoption of the final report of the Eight Biennial Meeting of States (BMS8) by consensus.
9. While recognizing the importance of technologies in contributing to socialeconomic advancement, it is utmost important to ensure that all ICT activities are carried out in accordance with international law and UN Charter, to prevent the existing and emerging threats in cyberspace. In this regard, we welcome the progress made in the work of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of ICTs 2021-2025, and reaffirms our readiness to join other member states in continued deliberation on safeguarding cybersecurity.
10. The Lao PDR is of the view that capacity-building is critical for ensuring a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace for all and for reducing cyber disparity. Taking this opportunity, we call for continued support from more advanced countries to help building capacity for developing countries in order to achieve our common objective of maintaining peaceful ICT environment.
11. The Lao PDR reiterates its full support for the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament and the international efforts in disarmament and international security, taking into account the specific needs for addressing serious impact of conventional weapons and other explosive remnants of war, particularly the cluster munitions, as the unexploded ordnance (UXO) contaminated across our country have continued to kill and maim innocent people, especially children and seriously hinder our national development for over 4 decades.
12. Toward this end, the Lao PDR has adopted its specific national SDG18 entitled ‘‘Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)” and recently adopted the new ten-year UXO Strategy Plan called “Safe Path Forward 3” for 2021-2030 to continue addressing the problems caused by UXO. In this regard, we count on the continued and enhanced support and cooperation from the international community.
13. In conclusion, Lao PDR reaffirms its unwavering commitment in advancing the disarmament and non-proliferation agenda to create a more secured world and sustainable global peace and security. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
