Mr. President,
Madam Executive Director,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
1. At the outset, my delegation would like to express its appreciation to the President of the Executive Board and the Executive Director of UNICEF for their leadership and commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of children worldwide. We commend UNICEF for its continued efforts to support Member States in addressing the increasingly complex challenges affecting children, including poverty, malnutrition, climate change and natural disaster, health emergencies, and humanitarian crises.
2. The Lao PDR firmly believes that children and young people are the foundation of sustainable development. Investing in their health, nutrition, education, protection, and empowerment is not only a moral responsibility, but also essential to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies. We therefore welcome UNICEF’s continued emphasis on strengthening national systems and ensuring equitable access to essential services, particularly for children and families in vulnerable and remote communities.
3. For many years, UNICEF has been a longstanding and valued development partner of the Lao PDR. We highly appreciate UNICEF’s support in maternal and child health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as social and child protection. These contributions have helped strengthen national capacities and improve the lives of children and families across our country.
4. In this regard, my delegation welcomes and fully supports the UNICEF Country Programme (CPD) for the Lao PDR for 2027–2031 to be considered by the Executive Board tomorrow. The new CPD was developed through close consultation between the Government of the Lao PDR, UNICEF, the United Nations Country Team, and other stakeholders. We are also pleased that the Programme is closely aligned with our 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and priorities of other plans relating to children as well as the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2027–2031. We look forward to its adoption and effective implementation and to further strengthening our partnership to advance child development.
5. We also recognize the importance of adequate, predictable, flexible, and sustainable financing for UNICEF. We encourage continued international support and contribution to the Fund so that UNICEF can effectively fulfil its mandate and respond to the needs of children, particularly those facing greatest vulnerabilities.
6. In conclusion, the Lao PDR reaffirms its strong support for UNICEF. We stand ready to further strengthen our partnership with UNICEF and all other development partners to ensure that no child is left behind .
I thank you