Mr. President,

1. At the outset, my delegation would like to express its appreciation for convening this High-level Meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

Mr. President,

2. For four decades, the Declaration on the Right to Development has provided an important framework for advancing development as an integral part of human rights. Its central message remains highly relevant today: development is a comprehensive economic, social, cultural and political process, in which the human person is the central subject, active participant and beneficiary of development.
3. The Lao PDR attaches great importance to the realization of the right to development. This principle is reflected in our national development policies, which place the people and their well-being at the centre of the development process.

4. In this regard, the Government has continued to pursue policies aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and narrowing development gaps. Particular attention has been given to improving access to quality education and healthcare, strengthening social protection, creating employment opportunities, developing infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, especially for people living in rural and remote areas.
5. We also continue to promote the participation of all segments of society in the development process, including women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, while working to ensure that the benefits of development are shared broadly and equitably.
6. These priorities are being further advanced through our national development plans, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the objective of building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient economy and improving the quality of life of our people.

Mr. President,

7. The Declaration also reminds us that national efforts must be complemented by an enabling international environment and effective international cooperation. For developing countries, strengthened partnerships, adequate development financing, capacity-building and access to technology remain important means for realizing the right to development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

8. In conclusion, the Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to the principles and objectives of the Declaration on the Right to Development. We will continue to translate these objectives and principles into our national development policies and concrete actions, with the well-being of our people at the centre, while working with the international community towards a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future for all.

I thank you.