Mr. Chair,

Madam Under-Secretary-General,

          At the outset, I would like to commend Nepal for its leadership and for convening this important Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of LDCs. This meeting provides a valuable platform for us to continue engaging in meaningful discussions and exchanging views on advancing the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).

Mr. Chair,

As the Lao PDR approaches its graduation timeline, we must acknowledge that graduation is not the end goal. Therefore, the transition period must be sustainable, inclusive, and irreversible. To guide this process, the Lao government has adopted the Smooth Transition Strategy (STS), which provides a clear roadmap to ensure that graduation is sustainable. The STS is a crucial tool for consolidating development gains, addressing potential vulnerabilities, and ensuring that the benefits of graduation are sustainable and irreversible.

          In this connection, we must remain mindful that LDCs continue to face persistent global challenges that can affect even the most carefully planned transitions. Risks such as Climate change, economic and financial uncertainties, debt vulnerabilities, and widening inequalities continue to pose significant challenges to our socio-economic development. For the Lao PDR, being both LDC and LLDC, these challenges are severe and require careful management to ensure a smooth graduation.

          In this regard, the DPoA provides clear guidance in our collective efforts to advance its effective implementation. Likewise, it offers a framework to support countries in navigating challenges, strengthening resilience, and ensuring that transitions such as graduation are durable and inclusive. Nevertheless, translating the commitments under the DPoA into concrete outcomes remains a considerable challenge, requiring continued international cooperation and a strong partnership with development partners. Therefore, the Lao PDR fully supports the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Compromiso de Sevilla, which provide renewed momentum and a strengthened commitment to closing the SDG financing gap and enhancing global support for LDCs. These global frameworks are closely aligned with the Smooth Transition Strategy of the Lao PDR, as well as our national socio-economic development plan, reinforcing our efforts to consolidate progress, build resilience, and mobilize the resources necessary to sustain development momentum.

Mr. Chair,

          LDC graduation will mark an important milestone and turning point in a country’s development journey, yet it cannot be achieved through national efforts alone. Therefore, continued support and assistance with enhanced international partnerships are indispensable in ensuring long-term development gains. On this note, the Lao PDR calls upon development partners and international financial institutions to provide continued support, helping countries build their capacities and resilience, address challenges, and accelerate progress toward SDG implementation.

          In conclusion, the Lao PDR stands ready to fulfill its international commitments. We will continue to work closely with other LDC members, UN agencies, and development partners to translate these commitments into tangible outcomes.

Thank you