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Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone led a high-level Lao delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he delivered an official address during the General Debate under the theme “Partnering Together for a Better Future: 80 Years On and Ahead for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”
In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the UN’s 80th anniversary as a historic milestone. He emphasized that it provides an opportunity for member states to reflect on the determination and aspirations of the international community since the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945. He stressed that the Charter has served as a guiding framework for multilateral cooperation and remains essential in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. He underscored the importance of resolving global challenges—including armed conflicts, inequality, and climate change—through peaceful means and close cooperation with the United Nations.
Mr. Sonexay expressed strong support for the UN80 Initiative launched by Secretary-General António Guterres to reform the organization and strengthen its capacity to address current and future challenges. He called on the global community to increase support for countries in special situations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to implementing its strategy for a smooth graduation from LDC status in 2026.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the Lao PDR’s position on key international issues. He called for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict and urged the lifting of economic and financial blockades against Cuba, including the removal of Cuba from the list of “state sponsors of terrorism” and the elimination of unilateral coercive measures against independent countries.
Later the same day, Prime Minister Sonexay held talks with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Both sides praised the long-standing cooperation between Laos and the United Nations, particularly in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the UN’s role in addressing global challenges and emphasized Laos’ priority in tackling unexploded ordnance (UXO), advancing development programs for LDCs and LLDCs, and achieving its goal of becoming a land-linked country in the region.
Secretary-General Guterres congratulated Laos on meeting the criteria for graduation from LDC status for a second time and acknowledged its growing role within ASEAN. He also commended Laos’ contributions to global peace efforts, including its upcoming role as host of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2026 and its participation as a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the UN would continue to support Laos in achieving the SDGs and completing its path to LDC graduation.
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