Madam. Chair,

1. At the outset, I congratulate you, Madam. Chair, and the Bureau, on your election to the Second Committee. We assure you of our full support and cooperation. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Groups of 77 and China, ASEAN, and LDCs and adds the following remarks in our national capacity.

2. As we enter the critical final period of the 2030 Agenda, the global development landscape remains challenging. Geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, rising debt burdens and declining development assistance are constraining developing countries’ capacity to invest in sustainable development. The approximately $4 trillion annual SDG financing gap underscores the urgency of translating commitments into concrete resources and action.

3. Against this backdrop, we underscore the importance of renewed political commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. Particularly with the Sevilla Commitment, its implementation should place the needs of developing countries, particularly the Global South, at the center.

4. In this connection, we are pleased that development remains a core of the United Nations system. We support efforts to reposition the UN Development System and the UN80 Initiative, that aim at improving efficiency and effectiveness while safeguarding the UN’s development mandate and supporting countries most in need.

5. Also, we must strengthen the availability and quality of development resources amid declining ODA, shrinking fiscal space and mounting debt-servicing pressure for developing countries. We therefore call for stronger resource mobilization, increased grants and concessional support, and the fulfilment of long-standing ODA commitments, including the 0.7 per cent of GNI target.

6. Importantly, stronger attention should be given to the group of countries in special situations who require adequate and tailored support. This includes areas of climate finance, technology transfer, capacity-building and enhanced market access.

Madam. Chair,

7. For the Lao PDR, our graduation from the LDC category in November 2026 will mark an important development milestone. By implementing our Smooth Transition Strategy, we aim to advance macroeconomic stability, economic diversification, structural transformation, and climate and disaster resilience. We will continue strengthening domestic resource mobilization and attracting sustainable investment, while requiring continued international support measures to safeguard development gains and ensure a sustainable and irreversible transition.

8. We also attach great importance to connectivity and structural transformation. Through regional integration, trade facilitation and infrastructure development, we are advancing our vision of transforming from a landlocked to a land-linked country. We, in this regard, encourage strengthened implementation of the LLDCs’ Awaza Programme of Action and its deliverables.

9. Climate action must remain integral to sustainable development. Despite our limited contribution to global emissions, the Lao PDR remains highly vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters. We call for predictable and accessible climate resources, particularly for developing countries with limited fiscal space.

10. Furthermore, we recognize the growing potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate sustainable development. At the same time, inclusive, transparent and development-oriented AI governance is essential to ensure equitable access to its benefits, address emerging risks, and prevent new forms of digital inequality, particularly for developing countries.

11. To conclude, Madam, Chair, the challenge before us is not a lack of commitment, but ensuring implementation. The Lao PDR stands ready to work constructively with all partners and the UN system to accelerate SDG implementation in this fast-changing global environment.

Thank you.