Mr. Chair,

1. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of ASEAN and the Group of 77 and China and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity.

2. With only four years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, progress towards the SDGs remains uneven and insufficient. We therefore call for accelerated implementation, enhanced international cooperation and greater efforts to address the persistent SDG financing gap.

3. For the Lao PDR, sustainable development remains central to our national priorities, including through the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030). We also remain committed to addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance through our national SDG 18 (lives safe from UXO) and appreciate the continued support of our development partners.

4. The Lao PDR attaches great importance to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and sustainable energy development. We emphasize the need for strengthened international support in climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, technology transfer and capacity-building, while promoting access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.

5. We also attach great importance to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The Lao PDR has made progress in expanding electricity access and developing renewable energy resources. Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening energy infrastructure, improving grid connectivity and reliability, and promoting greater access to clean and affordable energy, particularly in rural and remote communities. We believe that sustainable energy development is essential to advancing economic transformation, improving livelihoods and achieving the SDGs.

6. At the same time, constrained fiscal space, debt vulnerabilities and declining development assistance continue to affect our development efforts. We therefore call for effective implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, particularly through improved access to affordable and concessional financing and support for national development priorities.   

Mr. Chair,

7. As the Lao PDR prepares for its graduation from the Least Developed Country category in November 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a smooth, sustainable transition, while sustaining progress towards the 2030 Agenda. We emphasize that graduation is not an end in itself, but an important milestone in our long-term development journey. Continued international support and development partnerships will remain essential to safeguarding our development gains and addressing remaining vulnerabilities.

8. In conclusion, the Lao PDR reaffirms its strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We look forward to continued cooperation and strengthened global partnerships to ensure that no country is left behind.

        I thank you.