Madam President,

Distinguished Delegates,

The Lao PDR aligns itself with the Statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of Group 77 and China and the Statement delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN.

As we strive to recover from the pandemic and address pressing challenges, the acceleration of the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels is more crucial than ever. Since this year’s HLPF and the upcoming SDG Summit mark the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda, we have the opportunity not only to look at the progress made, but more importantly to reflect on how lost momentum on SDGs can be regained through more pragmatic and systematic approaches. In this regard, my delegation is of the view that enhanced commitments and an achievable acceleration plan remain pivotal.

At the national level, the Lao Government has adopted important measures, including the national agenda on addressing the economic and financial difficulties for 2021 - 2023 and the 9th NSEDP Financing Strategy for 2023 - 2025 to address the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing crisis. Pertaining to the SDGs, we have commenced the formulation process of our third VNR for 2024, focusing on track analysis of the progress of selected SDGs. This Review will enable us to see which SDGs need greater attention both through internal efforts and with support from the international community, particularly the developed countries and development partners in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

With this sentiment, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to uphold multilateral cooperation and enhance partnerships to inspire the necessary transformative changes for achieving SDGs by 2030. Finally, I wish to call on the international community to fulfill their commitments in providing the necessary support and to act on all fronts so as to achieve the SDGs together and leave no one and no country behind.

Thank you.