(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima and her delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office in Vientiane on April 24. 

Ms. Fatima, who serves as the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, visited Laos to discuss the country’s planned graduation from LDC status in 2026. 

PM Siphandone expressed gratitude for the UN’s support in preparing for the transition, emphasizing that while Laos will exit LDC status as scheduled, it will still require international assistance during the 2026-2029 transition period. He called for continued UN and development partner support, particularly in implementing the Doha Development Agenda (2022-2031) and ensuring a smooth, sustainable graduation. 

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to UN development system reforms and strengthened coordination through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. 

Ms. Fatima praised Laos’ socio-economic progress, noting its readiness for LDC graduation. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Laos and other LDCs in achieving sustainable development. 

Both sides also discussed challenges post-graduation and preparations for upcoming high-level meetings, including the 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Turkmenistan (August 2025), the 80th UN General Assembly in New York (September 2025)  and the High-Level Conference on Sustainable LDC Graduation in Doha (late 2025)

The meeting underscored the continued partnership between Laos and the UN in achieving long-term development goals.

KPL