Remarks at the Marathon for World Environment Day

Excellency, Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR,

Excellency, Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, 

Honorable Vice-Ministers and Representatives of Vientiane Prefecture,

Senior Government officials,

Representatives from UN agencies,

Distinguished guests, community members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you here today at Nam Phou Park — one of Vientiane’s most valued cultural spaces — as we mark the 46th anniversary of Arbor Day, the 53rd World Environment Day and the 27th National Environment Day in Lao PDR.

I am also delighted to take part in today’s marathon, in my capacity as UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, alongside several Heads of UN agencies and so many colleagues, community members, and young people. This is a powerful expression of our shared commitment to this year’s theme, Run for our Forest and Climate.

I would like to thank His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Sonexay Siphandone for his presence, which underscores the importance of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and climate action for the people and prosperity of Lao PDR. 

I also warmly acknowledge His Excellency Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh and his dedicated staff at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for their leadership and strong partnership with the United Nations. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world is facing an intensifying triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These interlinked challenges are already affecting communities across Lao PDR.

At stake is the country’s natural capital, estimated $149 billion, which underpins long-term development. Forests are central to this natural wealth. They, and a key part of the response to the Triple Planetary Crisis. They regulate climate, protect watersheds, sustain biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of millions of people across the country. 

Lao PDR has set ambitious goals, including increasing forest cover to 70% by 2030, and advancing biodiversity targets under the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). These commitments demonstrate strong national leadership.

Yet pressures persist. Deforestation, land degradation and climate impacts – such as more frequent droughts and intensified flooding – are already affecting farmers and threatening food security.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Government is taking commendable action, particularly through the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The United Nations is proud to support these efforts across climate adaptation, forest and biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and green urban development.

This partnership is reflected in two major joint programmes:  

The first is the Integrated Food Systems and Climate Resilience Initiative, a $4.5 million programme over 2.5 year supporting 20,000 smallholder households to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, apply local knowledge, and improve risk management and coordination.

The second is the Green and Climate Finance Joint Programme, a $2.15 million, 2-year initiative supporting green growth and climate-resilient development through sustainable budgeting, green finance, and innovative mechanisms, including payment for forestry environmental services, backed by a dedicated Climate and Sustainable Finance Hub within government.

Together, these programmes form part of a broader UN portfolio of nearly $20 million supporting the environment sector in 2026.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today’s marathon symbolizes a shared journey. But managing Lao PDR’s natural capital sustainably is a long-term commitment that demands sustained action.  

Progress will depend on completing key national commitments – including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), the 7th National Report, and the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). These must be translated into concrete results – protecting forests, strengthening livelihoods, and scaling up sustainable financing. 

In closing, I would like to highlight four actions each of us can take:

First, protect and restore forests through responsible land use and respect for nature.

Second, support those who conserve ecosystems –farmers, communities, and policymakers alike. 

Third, ensure women and young people are leaders in environmental decision-making.

Fourth, speak up - each of us has a role in driving change in our communities.

Nature is Lao PDR’s greatest asset for sustainable development. Let us renew our collective commitment to protect it – for this generation and those to come.

Thank you again to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for hosting this important event. The United Nations remains fully committed to walking — and running — alongside the Government and people of Lao PDR.

Khop chai lai lai!