Madam Chair,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
1. At the outset, my delegation would like to express its sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, as well as to the Bureau and the Secretariat, for the effective organization of this sixty-fourth session of the Commission for Social Development, and for the comprehensive documentation prepared to guide our deliberations. We also thank the Chair and the speakers at the opening session for their insightful remarks, which have set a clear and action-oriented direction for our work.
2. My delegation strongly supports the priority theme of this session, “Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies.” We align ourselves with the emphasis expressed by the Chair and many delegations on the urgent need to translate the commitments of the 2025 Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha into concrete and measurable actions to address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. These efforts are essential to ensuring dignity for all and to advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Madam Chair,
3. In the Lao PDR, social development and poverty eradication have consistently been central pillars of our national development strategies. Our approach is multidimensional, recognizing that poverty extends beyond income deprivation to include limited access to education, healthcare, social protection, and economic opportunities. Accordingly, we have prioritized policies that expand access to essential services, strengthen social protection systems, and target support to vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and communities in remote and rural areas.
4. Guided by a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, the Lao PDR has made tangible progress in reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth, despite persistent structural challenges and external shocks. National poverty levels have declined alongside sustained investments in human capital development, rural livelihoods, and basic infrastructure. In this regard, the Poverty Reduction Fund continues to play an important role in supporting community-based infrastructure development and expanding access to basic social services, thereby enhancing resilience and social cohesion at the local level.
Madam Chair,
5. Productive employment and decent work remain central to our social development agenda and human resource development strategy. The Government of the Lao PDR is promoting agricultural diversification, the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and the expansion of vocational education and skills training to enhance productivity, income generation, and livelihoods, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
6. At the same time, we attach great importance to empowering women and young people as drivers of inclusive and sustainable development. Initiatives such as the Innovation Challenge Programme of the Lao Youth Union and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Development Framework aim to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and participation in emerging sectors, including the green and digital economies. These initiatives are complemented by continued efforts to strengthen resilient care and support systems, ensuring that social and economic transitions are inclusive and that no one is left behind.
Madam Chair,
6. In conclusion, on experience demonstrates that advancing social development and social justice requires coherent policies, inclusive partnerships, and sustained commitment at all levels. The Copenhagen Declaration, the Doha Political Declaration, and the Awaza Declaration provide mutually reinforcing frameworks that guide our national efforts toward smooth, inclusive, and sustainable graduation from least developed country status. The Lao PDR reaffirms its strong commitment to translating these global commitments into national action and to accelerating progress toward the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
I thank you.