Remarks at Peer Learning Workshop on Infrastructure Asset Management for Central and Local Government Officials in Lao PDR

H.E. Mr. Bounpone Vannachit, Vice-Minister of Finance of Lao PDR,Esteemed Director-General of State Asset Management, representatives of the line ministries, provinces, municipalities and districts,

UN colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen:

I would like to firstly extend our gratitude to Vice-Minister Bounpone Vannachit and to the Ministry of Finance for the strong commitment to sustainable infrastructure asset management. The support of the Ministry of Finance has been essential in the success of this important project, and we are grateful for the steer and dedicated support.

As we gather here, we are reminded of the critical role that resilient, sustainable and climate-adaptive infrastructure plays in our societies. Infrastructure is closely linked to over 90% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their targets. It accounts for 79% of total greenhouse gas emissions and 88% of all adaptation costs. 

As we work to close the infrastructure gap and enhance the quality of life for people worldwide, the key challenge is ensuring that infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained in ways that are sustainable, resilient, and aligned with a net-zero future. Achieving this demands a series of strategic decisions at every stage – from initial project conception through to its eventual decommissioning or repurposing.

In light of this, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) jointly launched the global Infrastructure Asset Management initiative. As UN Resident Coordinator, I note how the three organizations have brought to bear complementarities of their respective mandates to support country-level activities. Drawing on the expertise of UN entities, the initiative seeks to enhance the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of infrastructure assets in alignment with the 2030 Agenda.  Lao PDR is one of the six pilot countries selected for it globally.

The responsibility of national and local governments in this endeavor cannot be overstated. By implementing inclusive and climate-resilient infrastructure, and by enabling sustainable asset management action plans, they are at the forefront of adaptation and mitigation strategies that are shaping the future of the communities around the world.

Today, we focus on future-proofing our infrastructure investments, the hard-won gains of development that must be protected and maintained. Effective management of these assets is crucial to ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs and that they support the delivery of key public services to all, leaving no one behind.

This aspiration succinctly frames the importance of our workshop, and I’m pleased to see interest from a range of national and local actors – as well as other partners – to this issue. By promoting a lifecycle and whole-of-government approach to infrastructure management, we are ensuring that our efforts are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

The recent Voluntary National Review (VNR) of the 2030 agenda in Lao PDR – the third such report presented to the High-Level Political Forum in New York – has showcased the country’s progress and significant remaining challenges in implementing the SDGs. Indeed, creating and safeguarding infrastructure assets in the face of climate change induced risks and other hazards, their effective management for the benefit of the disadvantaged populations, are daunting tasks. 

But countries – especially LDCs like Lao PDR – are not alone in their efforts to future-proof their valuable investments. I would like to emphasize the crucial role that multilateral organizations and bilateral partners play in supporting governments worldwide. There is much expertise and know-how that countries can share with each other, and UN and multilateral organizations, in particular, can serve as conduits for technology and knowledge transfer. 

In the same vein, the UN System in Lao PDR continues to support the country in preparing for a smooth transition to LDC graduation through capacity development, international best practices, access to technologies and tailored policy advice across the entire spectrum of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan. 

Today’s workshop builds on the diagnostic assessments conducted by UNOPS in October to November 2023 to identify the concrete actions needed to address gaps in infrastructure asset management. Following the workshop, the DESA-led team will provide technical assistance to the participating local governments to tackle implementation challenges and develop solutions for their priority actions. 

Ladies and gentlemen:

Infrastructure underpins sustainable development. It is about more than just a construction. It’s about removing barriers for children to attend school. It’s about supporting families to ensure their livelihoods and reducing inequalities. It's about creating homes that are ready for the changing climate.

Infrastructure asset management is a long-term commitment that shapes the future for generations to come. It secures development outcomes with lasting impacts and strategically allocates financial resources to build a stronger tomorrow. The infrastructure choices we make today will set the foundation for the quality of life we will all share in the years ahead.

I look forward to our discussions and to the valuable insights that will emerge from this workshop. Together, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of infrastructure asset management in Lao PDR and beyond.

Thank you.