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Laos has called for stronger international cooperation and increased support for vulnerable developing countries to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
The forum, held from July 7–16 at UN Headquarters under the theme "Transformative, Equitable, Innovative, and Well-Coordinated Implementation to Achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a Sustainable Future for All," reviewed global progress on the SDGs, with discussions focusing on clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry and infrastructure, sustainable cities, and global partnerships.
According to UN assessments, only 36 percent of SDG targets are currently on track, with inadequate financing remaining one of the biggest obstacles. Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to face the greatest challenges.
Leading the Lao delegation, Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a statement on behalf of ASEAN, highlighting the prolonged impacts of conflicts, global economic uncertainty and increasingly severe natural disasters on sustainable development efforts.
He called for enhanced international cooperation and greater assistance for vulnerable countries to help achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Anouparb also announced that Laos will submit its Fourth Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the 2027 HLPF, incorporating local-level assessments into the national report for the first time. He reaffirmed Laos' commitment to pursuing green, sustainable and self-reliant economic development.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Lao delegation met with senior UN officials to discuss continued cooperation and support for Laos' smooth and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country status.
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