Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,

1. The Lao PDR reaffirms its strong commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and to a multilateral system that delivers for all countries, particularly developing and least developed countries;

2. Migration is a driver of development, but it also reflects persistent global inequalities. The benefits of migration must not be undermined by unsafe pathways, unfair recruitment practices, and insufficient protection for migrant workers. In this regard, this year the Lao PDR submitted its first Voluntary National Review under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as a contribution to collective learning and to further strengthening international cooperation among Member States;

3. Since 2023, the Lao PDR has strengthened its migration governance through a whole-of-government approach, enhanced coordination mechanism, and closer engagement with international partners;

4. At the regional level, we have worked closely with ASEAN Member States to implement ASEAN agreement and decisions relating to migration, including the Vientiane Declaration on skills mobility to promote fair recruitment, skills recognition, and greater protection for migrant workers;

On the ways forwards:

5. First, combating trafficking in persons remains national, regional and global imperative. Stronger enforcement, victim protection, and cross-border cooperation are essential;

6. Second, international cooperation must be strengthened. Migration cannot be managed in isolation. We call for expanded regular pathways, fair and ethical recruitment, and greater responsibility-sharing between countries of origin, transit, and destination;

7. Third, we must address structural constraints. Limited capacity, gaps in data, and insufficient resources continue to hinder effective implementation of the Global Compact. Developing countries require predictable support, including technical assistance and capacity-building; and

8. Fourth, Migration must be integrated into development strategies, by ensuring that migration contributes to resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development;

9. In conclusion, we call for renewed political will to fully implement the Global Compact. Commitments must translate into concrete action and must deliver tangible results for migrants and countries in need.

I thank you