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Statement by H.E. Mr. Thongphane Savanphet, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations at the GA 80 Second Committee General Debate

Tuesday, 07 October 2025

 

 

Mr. Chair,

  1. At the outset, I join other delegations in congratulating you, Mr. Chair, and the Bureau on your election to the Second Committee. We assure you of our full support and cooperation in this critical session. My delegation aligns with the statements delivered by the representatives of Iraq, Malaysia, Nepal, and Bolivia on behalf of the Groups of 77 and China, ASEAN, LDCs, and LLDCs, respectively.
  2. We welcome the timely theme, “Five years to 2030 – Multilateral solutions for sustainable development.” As we approach the final stretch of the 2030 Agenda, the international community faces unprecedented, interlinked challenges: persistent poverty, widening inequalities, climate emergencies, and geopolitical tensions. Rising economic and financial difficulties further threaten hard-won development gains. The financing gap of $4-4.3 trillion annually underscores the urgent shortfall in funding needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

In this context, my delegation wishes to share the following perspectives:

  1. First, shared political will and strong commitment to multilateralism are essential. We must demonstrate unity, partnership, and solidarity in addressing challenges. Reform of the UN and related international organizations, including financial institutions, must be inclusive, transparent, and democratic. The voices and needs of the Global South should be central in reshaping the international financial and economic architecture to deliver appropriate responses.
  2. Second, we support the repositioning of the UN Development System to effectively meet member states’ priorities, especially in countries facing vulnerabilities and shocks. As addressed by our Head of Government at the High-Level Week, we welcome the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to assess progress and discuss future developments. We stress that organizational reforms must keep development at the core as a foundation for peace, justice, and human dignity.
  3. Third, while emphasizing the need to enhance UN system capacity, we are concerned about the continuing decline in core contributions to UN agencies. If unchecked, this will undermine their performance on the ground. Development must remain integral and a top priority for the UN and all member states. We appreciate countries that provide significant official development assistance (ODA) and call on others to meet the 0.7% GNI commitment.
  4. Fourth, special attention must be given to LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, which remain the most vulnerable. The international community must urgently deliver inclusive multilateral solutions tailored to their needs. The UN should play a central role in mobilizing resources and coordinating concessional finance to support vulnerable economies. Countries on the LDC graduation track, in particular, require tailored support to avoid setbacks.

Mr. Chair,

  1. For the Lao PDR, in preparing for LDC graduation in 2026, we are advancing our Smooth Transition Strategy to ensure sustainable and transformative progress. We reiterate our call for enhanced support in this process, including the establishment of an International Investment Support Centre for LDCs to facilitate foreign direct investment aligned with national priorities. We urge development partners to fulfill ODA commitments, including allocating 0.15–0.2% of GNI to LDCs, increasing grant-based and concessional finance, and doubling aid for trade to LDCs by 2031 with focus on trade-related infrastructure, as outlined in the FFD4 Outcome Document.
  2. We commend the successful convening of the Third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3). The Awaza Programme of Action demonstrates renewed global commitment to addressing structural challenges of LLDCs. For our country, connectivity is a strategic priority. We have advanced regional integration and trade facilitation, working toward our long-term vision of transforming from a landlocked to a land-linked country and serving as a bridge connecting markets and people across the region.
  3. At the upcoming COP30, we look forward to meaningful outcomes. Despite our minimal emissions, climate change poses an existential threat. We have implemented our National Strategy on Climate Change and NDCs, but require financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building to achieve our goals. We therefore urge the fulfillment of international commitments, particularly the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, to support vulnerable countries.

Mr. Chair,

  1. This session of the Second Committee is expected to provide insights, recommendations, and opportunities through discussion. Multilateral cooperation and open dialogue remain essential to address challenges and develop solutions collectively.
  2. In closing, I reaffirm my delegation’s commitment to working with all Member States, the UN development system, and relevant stakeholders to advance the 2030 Agenda and internationally agreed development objectives.

Thank You

Mr. Chair,

  1. At the outset, I join other delegations in congratulating you, Mr. Chair, and the Bureau on your election to the Second Committee. We assure you of our full support and cooperation in this critical session. My delegation aligns with the statements delivered by the representatives of Iraq, Malaysia, Nepal, and Bolivia on behalf of the Groups of 77 and China, ASEAN, LDCs, and LLDCs, respectively.
  2. We welcome the timely theme, “Five years to 2030 – Multilateral solutions for sustainable development.” As we approach the final stretch of the 2030 Agenda, the international community faces unprecedented, interlinked challenges: persistent poverty, widening inequalities, climate emergencies, and geopolitical tensions. Rising economic and financial difficulties further threaten hard-won development gains. The financing gap of $4-4.3 trillion annually underscores the urgent shortfall in funding needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

In this context, my delegation wishes to share the following perspectives:

  1. First, shared political will and strong commitment to multilateralism are essential. We must demonstrate unity, partnership, and solidarity in addressing challenges. Reform of the UN and related international organizations, including financial institutions, must be inclusive, transparent, and democratic. The voices and needs of the Global South should be central in reshaping the international financial and economic architecture to deliver appropriate responses.
  2. Second, we support the repositioning of the UN Development System to effectively meet member states’ priorities, especially in countries facing vulnerabilities and shocks. As addressed by our Head of Government at the High-Level Week, we welcome the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to assess progress and discuss future developments. We stress that organizational reforms must keep development at the core as a foundation for peace, justice, and human dignity.
  3. Third, while emphasizing the need to enhance UN system capacity, we are concerned about the continuing decline in core contributions to UN agencies. If unchecked, this will undermine their performance on the ground. Development must remain integral and a top priority for the UN and all member states. We appreciate countries that provide significant official development assistance (ODA) and call on others to meet the 0.7% GNI commitment.
  4. Fourth, special attention must be given to LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, which remain the most vulnerable. The international community must urgently deliver inclusive multilateral solutions tailored to their needs. The UN should play a central role in mobilizing resources and coordinating concessional finance to support vulnerable economies. Countries on the LDC graduation track, in particular, require tailored support to avoid setbacks.

Mr. Chair,

  1. For the Lao PDR, in preparing for LDC graduation in 2026, we are advancing our Smooth Transition Strategy to ensure sustainable and transformative progress. We reiterate our call for enhanced support in this process, including the establishment of an International Investment Support Centre for LDCs to facilitate foreign direct investment aligned with national priorities. We urge development partners to fulfill ODA commitments, including allocating 0.15–0.2% of GNI to LDCs, increasing grant-based and concessional finance, and doubling aid for trade to LDCs by 2031 with focus on trade-related infrastructure, as outlined in the FFD4 Outcome Document.
  2. We commend the successful convening of the Third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3). The Awaza Programme of Action demonstrates renewed global commitment to addressing structural challenges of LLDCs. For our country, connectivity is a strategic priority. We have advanced regional integration and trade facilitation, working toward our long-term vision of transforming from a landlocked to a land-linked country and serving as a bridge connecting markets and people across the region.
  3. At the upcoming COP30, we look forward to meaningful outcomes. Despite our minimal emissions, climate change poses an existential threat. We have implemented our National Strategy on Climate Change and NDCs, but require financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building to achieve our goals. We therefore urge the fulfillment of international commitments, particularly the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, to support vulnerable countries.

Mr. Chair,

  1. This session of the Second Committee is expected to provide insights, recommendations, and opportunities through discussion. Multilateral cooperation and open dialogue remain essential to address challenges and develop solutions collectively.
  2. In closing, I reaffirm my delegation’s commitment to working with all Member States, the UN development system, and relevant stakeholders to advance the 2030 Agenda and internationally agreed development objectives.

Thank You.

 

 

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