Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

[At the outset], I wish to express my appreciation to the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) for convening this important segment to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation (UNFSSC).

It is my honour to deliver a few reflections on this occasion and to share the experience of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in partnering through the UNFSSC framework—particularly through our strong and growing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, enabled by China’s strategic and generous support to the Fund.

Over the years, the Laos-China collaboration under the UNFSSC has proven the value and impact of South-South cooperation that is inclusive, demand-driven, and outcomes-focused. This partnership has helped address some of Lao PDR’s key development challenges while remaining fully aligned with our national development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Notably, concrete results have been achieved through flagship initiatives such as:

• The Cross-Border E-Commerce Training Programme, which has empowered local entrepreneurs and cooperatives with practical skills and tools to expand market access and reduce poverty;
• The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Project, which has brought sustainable energy solutions to remote communities, enhancing quality of life and promoting environmental stewardship; and
• The Youth Leadership Programme in Agriculture, which has equipped young leaders with the knowledge and capacity to engage in modern and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These programmes exemplify the practical benefits of South-South cooperation, particularly in fostering institutional capacity, technology transfer, and context-specific innovation.

Looking ahead, we are encouraged by the pipeline initiatives currently under development. These include the establishment of a Women’s Entrepreneurial Centre, aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment, and a regional initiative on clean cooking solutions, which integrates health, environmental, and gender dimensions. Such forward-looking efforts speak to the evolving and inclusive nature of South-South and triangular cooperation. This partnership also underscores Lao PDR’s growing engagement not only as a recipient but increasingly as a contributor to regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing. Through our active participation in UNFSSC-supported projects, Lao PDR is working to achieve national development gains while supporting broader regional and global solutions.

In conclusion, the Laos-China cooperation under the UNFSSC serves as a compelling model of effective multilateral partnership—rooted in solidarity, mutual benefit, and a shared vision of sustainable development. We hope this spirit of cooperation will continue to flourish, empowering developing countries to realize their aspirations and further advancing the principles that underpin South-South cooperation.

Thank you.