Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) Recently, Laos and the United Nations held a special ceremony at the UN headquarters in Vientiane to jointly celebrate the 70th anniversary of their partnership. The commemorative event focused on youth development, the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the deepening of future cooperation. Lao Prime Minister Somsay Siphandone presided over the ceremony, which was attended by senior Lao government officials, representatives of development partners, members of diplomatic missions, and youth representatives.
In his address, Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Anupaphuv Vongnok stated that the 70th anniversary is not only an important milestone in reviewing the achievements of bilateral cooperation but also a new starting point for building consensus and strengthening collaboration. He emphasized that UN agencies have long provided crucial support to Laos in areas such as improving people's livelihoods, reducing poverty, and protecting the environment, with significant results. This close partnership has also helped Laos enhance its national development resilience and promote human resource development, laying a solid foundation for the country to achieve its goal of "leaving the status of least developed country."
Anupaphuv Vongnok introduced that, as a continued commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, Laos signed the Future Pact in September 2024. He clarified that Laos will continue to deeply align its national socio-economic development plan with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on climate resilience building and the acquisition and application of new technologies, while strengthening cooperation with the international community to better support vulnerable groups.
“Youth and the next generation are important drivers of national development,” Anupabong Vongnok emphasized, highlighting the strategic value of the youth. He pointed out that 60% of Laos' population is under 30, and this large youth group injects unique vitality into the country's development. The logo commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UN and Laos was designed independently by Lao youth, showcasing their innovative talents and demonstrating their strong desire to participate in national development—an achievement highly recognized by all parties.
UN Resident Coordinator Bahodil Burkhanov responded at the ceremony, stating that the UN building in Vientiane is not only an office space but also a symbol of the deep trust and friendship accumulated between Laos and the UN over the past 70 years—this land, provided by the Lao government, is a vivid testament to the mutual support between the two sides. “For 70 years since joining the United Nations, Laos has consistently upheld the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity, a principle that aligns perfectly with the UN's objectives. We have always cherished this important partnership,” said Burkhanov.
He stated that the UN will continue to fully support Laos in entering a new stage of development, with future cooperation focusing on areas such as enhancing climate resilience, innovating and applying new technologies, and expanding sustainable financing. Simultaneously, the UN will assist Laos in strengthening its human capital and optimizing its public service provision to ensure its smooth and sustainable exit from the ranks of least developed countries.
Laos officially joined the UN in 1955, when the organization had only 60 member states; today, that number has grown to 193. Following the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, the new government established a foreign policy centered on peace, mutual respect, and international cooperation. In the decades that followed, with the support of the UN and international partners, Laos has continuously strengthened its national institutions and achieved remarkable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, improving maternal and child health, and increasing education accessibility. Both sides agreed that, as one of the youngest countries in Southeast Asia, Laos' youth will be a core link in future cooperation with the United Nations.
