Mr. Chair
Madam Under-Secretary-General,
Distinguished Colleagues,

1. I would like to express my appreciation to Nepal for their leadership during the past three years and, taking this opportunity, to congratulate Gambia on assuming the Chairmanship of the LDC Group for the next tenure.

Mr. Chair,

2. We thank you for convening this important meeting to advance the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).

3. Despite the significant challenges ahead, the Lao PDR reaffirms its commitment to graduate from LDC status this year, marking a historic milestone. However, graduation is not the end goal, but the beginning of a new development chapter that requires enhanced international partnership and cooperation.

4. To maintain the development momentum, the national Smooth Transition Strategy has been adopted, aligned with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), guided by the Sovereign and Self-Reliant Economic Policy. In this regard, we urge all development partners to continue providing predictable international support measures and expand development financing to build resilience and ensure a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible transition.

Mr. Chair,

5. Graduating LDCs continue to face severe global headwinds that threaten our hard-won development gains. As such, the DPoA remains central to our collective efforts to ensure a sustainable future. In addition, the Lao PDR strongly supports the Pact for the Future and the Seville Commitment, to close the SDG financing gap and enhance global support for LDCs.

To conclude, Mr. Chair,

6. The Lao PDR stands ready to continue working closely with all fellow LDCs, the UN system, and development partners to translate these commitments into concrete and transformative outcomes.

I thank you.