Remarks at Policy Dialogue with the National Assembly

Esteemed Chair of the Meeting, 

Honourable Members of the National Assembly, 

Dr. Kevin Smith, Acting USAID Country Director, 

Development Partners,

Colleagues from the UN Country Team and staff of UN agencies, 

Distinguished guests –

Sabaidee Ton Sao – Good morning!

It is a privilege to address you today on behalf of the United Nations in Lao PDR.

Ahead of the National Assembly’s 8th Regular Session, this policy dialogue is an opportunity for you, distinguished National Assembly Members, to engage with development partners and experts on key issues and challenges confronting the country, and also on some solutions. It is also an opportunity for us, development partners, to learn from your perspectives and understanding of the situation on the ground.

This is a timely briefing, as Lao PDR embarks on shaping the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and approaches the historic milestone of graduating from the Least Developed Country status. 

We recently passed the midpoint of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Globally, we are behind in achieving our targets with only 17% of the global goals being on track for 2030. At this rate, in Asia and the Pacific, the SDGs will be achieved only in 2062. Closer to home, Lao PDR’s recent Voluntary National Review of the SDGs has shown that none of the goals, including our own national Goal 18 on UXO action, are on course to be achieved by 2030. 

A multitude of economic, environmental and social challenges are impeding progress, and overcoming these require effective planning and strategies. The role of legislators in the National Assembly is absolutely vital in setting the right policies and legislation in place, and keeping Government to account in implementing your vision.

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of co-chairing a consultation on the draft 10th NSEDP with the Ministry of Planning and Investment. During that consultation, I emphasized that the decisions we make now, and implement over the 5 years of the Plan will decide the success or failure of sustainable development and LDC graduation. They will either enable – or not – the realisation of a never-to-be-repeated demographic dividend that young people entering employment will generate in the coming years. And they will determine whether we can take more decisive action on climate change and environmental degradation, or suffer extreme temperatures, mega-storms and pollution. 

The stakes are very high, and no country can afford to approach these policy decisions with the same business-as-usual practices that have carried us thus far.

National parliaments have an essential role to play in enacting SDG commitments through adopting legislation, approving budgets and monitoring implementation.

Strong, effective, and informed parliaments are foundational to accelerating and achieving sustainable development. In your role as representatives of constituents, you are in a key position to engage the public and ensure that policy and fiscal frameworks leave no one behind.

To address to development challenges Lao PDR is facing, the UN Country Team will present a comprehensive analysis on critical policy matters over the next four days. 

Each day with different committees, our technical experts will discuss current issues and concrete policy options that align with the Lao PDR’s context. 

The sessions will focus on macro-economic resilience, inclusive social protection systems, and strategies for LDC graduation — each crucial for sustainable growth. We will also cover health, education and human capital challenges and solutions to develop a capable and resilient workforce. And we will address pressing cross-border and global challenges such as climate change, migration and crime.

The United Nations is committed to supporting Lao PDR’s development goals, recognizing that people-centred Assemblies play a vital role in this process. 

I would like to appreciate this opportunity of engaging with Members of the National Assembly. This is an important moment for us that comes at a critical juncture for the country. I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to participate in this initiative. 

We highly value our ongoing collaboration with the National Assembly and fully support you, Honourable Members, in your efforts to advance policies that are responsive, effective and meet the needs of all people in Lao PDR – especially the most vulnerable and poor, and those most at risk of being left behind. 

I would like to acknowledge the UN Development Programme (UNDP), who provides institutional support for the National Assembly and the People's Provincial Assemblies, funded by USAID, for engaging other UN agencies and subject matter experts, and curating this exciting four-day program.

Together, the UN Country Team and our partners, remain fully committed to supporting your important work and to advancing a future that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people we serve.

Thank you – Khop chai lai lai.