Mr. Chairman,

1. My delegation aligns itself with the statements made by Thailand and Pakistan on behalf of the ASEAN, G77 and China respectively.
2. It is our firm belief that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society. The ongoing impact caused by COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with natural calamities, armed conflicts, economic and financial setbacks, food and energy insecurity do not only impede socio-economic development but further widening gender inequality, denying the rights of people to basic needs and pushing vulnerable groups, especially women and girls into extreme poverty and hardship.
3. In this challenging time, the Lao PDR is of the view that it is more critical than ever for the international community to ensure that all marginalized groups including women and girls play pivotal part in the recovery efforts. Therefore, it requires more intensified international cooperation in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, partnership, solidarity, and mutual support for ensuring gender equality and advancement of women. It is also of particular importance for building resilience to climate change, strengthening social protection, healthcare, and education services, among others, aiming at empowering and protecting women and girls in all spheres.

Mr. Chairman,

4. As a party to the CEDAW and other international human rights instruments, the Lao PDR attaches great importance to advancement of women, ending gender-based violence, supporting women’s participation in inclusive social and economic development. These key principles have been incorporated in the national legislation and policy planning processes. In addition, the issues of women’s participation in the fight against climate change and poverty, strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity in the business sector, among others, have also been mainstreamed into sectoral policies, strategies and reflected in the current Five-Years National Socio-Economic Development plant (2021-2025).
5. The established institutional mechanism, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women and Mother and Child (NCAWMC), has played a key role in promoting and protecting the rights and interests of women and girls across all sectors and levels. With support extended by development partners, UN agencies and INGOs, the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women, Mother, and Children (2016-2025), the 2^nd National Plan of Action on Preventing and Elimination of Violence Against Women and Violence against Children (2021-2025), and the 4^th National Plan of Action on Gender Equality (2021-2025), the Plan of Action for advancement of Women 2010-2025 have been implemented with significant outcomes. Just recently, the Standard Operating Procedures to systemise social service response to gender-based violence has been formulated and endorsed by the NCAWMC in September 2022.
6. Despite the progress made, more efforts are needed to be deployed to further advance the national agenda on gender equality, empowerment of women, violence against women and non-discrimination. Taking this opportunity, the Lao PDR expresses its sincere appreciations to development partners, UN agencies, and financial institutions for their continued support and assistance for the implementation of the afore-mentioned national strategies and plans.  
7. I wish to conclude by reaffirming the Lao PDR’s commitment to the global efforts for advancement of women, ensuring gender equality and protecting of the rights and interests of women and girls.

 I thank you Mr. Chairman