National Forum on Climate Change

H.E. Mr. Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice-Minister

Excellencies, Government representatives and members of the diplomatic corps, development partners 

My colleague Ms. Martine Therer, UNDP Resident Representative 

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to be here today to co-chair this event. On behalf of the United Nations system in Lao PDR, let me thank you for your presence. I want to especially acknowledge UNDP for its role in organizing this event. 

“This year has seen communities pounded by fires, floods, and searing temperature – and the impact is devastating”. These words are not mine, but those of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference – or COP28 – in Dubai last November. 

The Secretary-General was speaking about communities around the world, but his words hit home as he could equally have been speaking directly about challenges facing us here in Lao PDR.

The urgency of the global climate crisis is indisputable. It’s a crisis with a capital “C”. Correspondingly, the need for comprehensive climate action has never been more apparent. 

We face the far-reaching impacts of climate change – floods, heat waves, and disruptions to vulnerable communities, posing threats to food and water security. These are not scenarios from distant future. They are already manifesting in our daily lives. 

Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with limited capacities to adapt, especially given current economic circumstances. 

But acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Government has committed to bold steps towards mitigating climate change, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation into the apex National Socio-Economic Development Plans. 

COP28 held in Dubai showcased a stronger commitment to combat climate change, as reflected in the agreement to operationalize the Loss and Damage fund. However, reaching a shared commitment to phase out consumption and production of fossil fuels required a compromise language1. 

Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting on urbanization and climate change at COP28, Laos underscored its commitment to resilient urban development, a circular economy for waste management, and integrating climate action into national development plans. Looking ahead, World Urban Forum 12 and COP29, to be held back-to-back, present key advocacy and partnership opportunities for Lao PDR. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The UN here in Lao PDR, together with partners, has been working closely with the Government of Lao PDR in supporting the efforts to tackle climate change and to achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets through numerous projects and initiatives.   

Together, UN and development partners supported the Government in preparing for and attending the COP28.  

The UN System organizations are currently supporting the establishment of the much-needed National Adaptation Plan, the Health National Adaptation Plan, the disaster contingency plan, the Global Stocktake, as well as many other policy and practical actions across the country. We also stand ready to support Lao PDR’s engagement with the new Loss and Damage Fund launched at COP 28. 

Other development partners, civil society and the private sector are all supportive to make a difference and achieve the nation’s climate goals.  

However, our effectiveness will be dependent on the extent to which we are able to coordinate and act together. To reach the same destination, we must all walk in the same direction. 

And each of every one of our steps must be aligned with our ultimate goal – to mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

The presence of partners this morning speaks to the willingness to work together and shows that the Government can continue to count our support. 

On behalf of the UN Country Team in Lao PDR, we commit to being ready to support the Government to create a strong coordination mechanism to ensure the coherent implementation of the NDC, and in line with the national Roundtable Process we all engage in. 

In closing, I look forward to hearing more about Lao PDR’s climate priorities, and opportunities to jointly work towards these with development partners present here in the room and online.  

Thank you very much.