Mr. Chair,
1. I join other speakers in extending my sincere congratulations to you and other members of the Bureau on your election to lead this First Committee and reaffirm my delegation’s full support and cooperation.
2. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN.
Mr. Chair,
3. We meet at a time when the international community continues to face multifaceted challenges, including geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, posing major threats to international peace and security. My delegation remains concerned with the rise in global military expenditure that help to fuel the tensions, rather than to help restoring peace and security. This year, we have witnessed that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda has been severely hampered. Therefore, it is more crucial than ever to renew our commitment to safeguard our world from another catastrophe by upholding multilateralism and adhering to obligations under multilateral disarmament treaties and the principles of the UN Charter.
4. The Lao PDR remains firmly committed to all disarmament regimes as they provide necessary foundations for safeguarding global peace and security. In this context, we strongly adhere to all international obligations for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. We consider the entry-into-force of the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as one of the most important developments towards the elimination of nuclear weapons and hope that the political declaration and an action plan adopted in the first meeting of the States Parties to the TPNW will pave the way forward for its effective implementation.
5. Since its entry into force, the NPT remains the cornerstone of international efforts on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this regard, the Lao PDR reiterates the need to continue strengthening the NPT regime, which is vital for advancing necessary actions under the three pillars of the Treaty in a comprehensive and balanced manner.
6. Likewise, it is essential for the international community to fully and effectively implement all treaties concerning weapons of mass destruction, along with Security Council Resolution 1540. The Lao PDR remains fully committed to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention as well as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and we are of the view that all nations share collective responsibility to uphold the Convention’s norm.
Mr. Chair,
7. The Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025 has played an important part and nurtured itself to become a mechanism for promoting international cooperation and assistance on cyber security. The Lao PDR highly values the discussions carried out in OEWG under the UN auspices, which put strong emphasis on the importance of capacity building. It is encouraging to see that throughout the sessions, many important initiatives and ideas have emerged, some of which have already been materialized. This reflects our collective efforts to produce actionable outcome. In this connection, we support a single-track approach to these negotiations. We believe this streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for developing countries, which often face constraints in capacity, resources, and expertise in the field of ICT. A single-track approach ensures that all states can focus their efforts on one process and ensures that no country is left behind.
8. Concerning conventional weapons, we welcome the adoption of the final report of the 8th Biennial Meeting of States (BMS8) by consensus and further call for international cooperation including capacity-building support to developing countries. Likewise, we welcome the adoption of the final report of the OEWG to elaborate a set of political commitments as a new global framework that will address existing gaps in through-life ammunition management.
Mr. Chair,
9. Despite the conflict ended more than 4 decades ago, the Lao PDR has witnessed firsthand, the deadly impacts of conventional weapons and other explosive remnants of war as these inhumane weapons continue to kill and maim innocent people. Todate, the unexploded remnants of cluster munitions have continued to pose major threats to women and children and obstructed our national socio-economic development efforts.
10. Taking into account its specific challenges and needs, the Lao PDR has adopted its national SDG 18 entitled ‘‘Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)” to specifically address the impacts caused by unexploded ordnance and developed the new ten-year UXO Strategy Plan called “Safe Path Forward 3” for 2021-2030. This National Strategic Plan provides clear guidelines for reducing UXO impacts through the implementation of legislations related to UXO clearance and resource mobilization. On this note, we express our deep appreciation to all partners and donors who have rendered their support in the implementation of this national strategy and urge the international community to continue assisting the Lao PDR in the implementation of our national SDG18.
11. In conclusion, my delegation believes that, only through our concerted political will and renewed commitment, we will be able to advance the international disarmament and non-proliferation agenda. The Lao PDR stands ready to engage constructively in the work of the first committee in order to pursue our common objective toward a peaceful and secured world. I thank you.
