Mr. Chair,

1. My delegation aligns itself with statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Indonesia on behalf of the NAM and by Cambodia on behalf of ASEAN.
2. The Lao PDR is of great concern over a wide range of security and humanitarian impacts arising from the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons. Therefore, my delegation fully supports the efforts to strengthen the full and effective control of these weapons and combat the illicit trade at the national, regional, and international levels as they are overtly tied with international peace and security.
3. In this regards, my delegation welcomes the consensus adoption of the final report of the 4^th United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (POA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).

Mr. Chair,

4. Being one of the most heavily impacted country by cluster munitions, the Lao PDR has experienced firsthand, the devastating and persistent effects of these inhumane weapons. Over the past decades, these remnants have impeded development and tragically claimed lives and injured innocent people, with children comprising the majority of the victims. Therefore, like others, the Lao PDR shares the common aspiration to make our world free from the dangers posed by explosive remnants of war. To achieve this goal, we believe it is crucial to promote the universalization and effective implementation of relevant international instruments and treaties. As a committed party to these frameworks, we place particular emphasis on the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which has brought renewed hope. The Lao PDR therefore, deeply values the Convention on Cluster Munitions and remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding its principles and achieving them.

Mr. Chair,

5. Our national strategy, Safe Path Forward III (2021–2030), aligns with the CCM and the Lausanne Action Plan, integrating UXO action into our broader development agenda, including through our national SDG 18: Lives Safe from UXO. Partnerships with States Parties, international organizations, and civil society have been instrumental in clearing contaminated land, delivering risk education, supporting survivors, and facilitating the return of land for agriculture and infrastructure development. For the Lao PDR, the CCM is more than a disarmament treaty it is a path to peace, development, and dignity. We are honored to assume the Presidency and the host of the Third Review Conference of States Parties to the CCM in Vientiane in 2026. This is both a historic responsibility and an opportunity to reaffirm global unity in the fight against cluster munitions.
6. In conclusion, I reaffirm the Lao PDR’s unwavering commitment to the Convention and call upon the international community to accelerate the progress toward a world free from cluster munitions.

Thank you.