United Nations-Ministry of Foreign Affairs Joint Media Breakfast

• Mr. Alomlangsy Rajvong, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
• Dear members of the media corps,
• Colleagues from the United Nations,
• Ladies and gentlemen:

Sabaidee, and a very good morning!

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to UN House for this first United Nations–Ministry of Foreign Affairs Media Breakfast.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially our colleagues from the Department of International Organizations, for co-organizing this dialogue. Our partnership with the Government of Lao PDR is built on trust, shared priorities and a common commitment to improving people's lives. Today's event reflects that very spirit of partnership.

I would also like to warmly thank all of you - the journalists, editors and media professionals – joining us this morning. 

Your work is essential. You help connect people with information, explain complex issues and bring development stories closer to communities across Lao PDR. In doing so, you contribute to informed public dialogue and help people better understand the country's development journey.

Today is for an open conversation - not simply about what the United Nations has accomplished, but about Lao PDR’s development trajectory, how the UN supports national priorities, and how we can better work with the media to communicate progress, challenges and opportunities.

This is an important year for our partnership.

In April, together with the Government, we launched the 2025 UN Annual Results Report, which presents what the United Nations Country Team has achieved alongside national counterparts and development partners over the past year. It demonstrates how our 25 UN entities are working together across all 18 provinces to support national priorities - from health, education and gender to climate resilience, economic transformation and good governance.

This year also continues the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Lao PDR's membership in the United Nations. For seven decades, our partnership has evolved alongside the country's own development journey. Today, it is stronger than ever - supporting nationally-led priorities and also connecting Lao PDR with global knowledge, expertise and resources.

The past and present have shaped our partnership, but it’s important that we look ahead.

The United Nations and the Government of Lao PDR are finalizing the Lao PDR – United Nations Cooperation Framework 2027–2031, our shared roadmap for cooperation over the next five years. Aligned with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, it reflects our common ambition for inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.

The coming years will also be significant as Lao PDR prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country status. This is a remarkable national milestone that reflects decades of progress, while also presenting new opportunities and new challenges. The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Government to ensure that this transition is sustainable, inclusive and leaves no one behind.

Colleagues and friends:

None of these stories can be told by the United Nations or the Government alone.

They also depend on strong, independent and professional journalism. We see the media not simply as a channel for communication, but as a valued partner in informing the public about the issues that matter most for the country's development.

The United Nations is committed to being an open, accessible and trusted source of information. Across our 25 UN entities, we can connect you with technical experts, evidence, data and stories from communities across Lao PDR. Whether you are covering economic development, climate change, education, health, gender equality or humanitarian issues, we hope you will continue to see the United Nations as a trusted and reliable partner.

Our partnership with the media is built on a shared commitment to serving the public interest. It is founded on trust, professionalism and credibility; it is not a transactional relationship. We respect your editorial independence and believe our role is to provide timely and accurate information that supports quality reporting. 

In turn, we hope you will continue to turn to the United Nations as a trusted source on sustainable development and the issues shaping Lao PDR's future. There is a lot that we can provide on data, evidence and international experiences. And it is our mandate to work with the media and be responsive to your requests. So, please use this offer as you cover topics of importance to the public. 

We also want to hear from you. Your feedback will help us communicate more effectively, respond more quickly, and make it easier for you to access the information and expertise you need.

Thank you once again for joining us this morning. I wish us all a productive discussion, and I look forward to our conversation.

Khop chai lai lai!