NEW YORK: Laos has called for stronger international cooperation and increased support for vulnerable countries to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as only 36 per cent of the targets have been achieved globally with four years remaining until the 2030 deadline.
The call was made by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouparb Vongnorkeo while attending the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7-16, according to a news release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of Asean member states, Anouparb highlighted the prolonged impacts of global challenges, including conflicts, economic and financial difficulties, and increasingly severe natural disasters, which continue to hinder implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He urged UN member states to strengthen cooperation and provide greater assistance to countries facing development constraints, particularly least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states.
Held under the theme “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all”, the forum brought together representatives of UN member states and international organisations to review global progress on sustainable development.
This year’s forum conducted in-depth reviews of five Sustainable Development Goals: clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.
Thirty-six countries also presented Voluntary National Reviews on their implementation of the SDGs.
According to a UN progress report presented at the forum, insufficient financing remains one of the main barriers to achieving the goals, with vulnerable countries facing particularly significant challenges.
Anouparb reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to sustainable and green development and building a stronger, more self-reliant economy.
He also announced that Laos plans to present its fourth Voluntary National Review in 2027. The report will be the country’s first to incorporate assessments from local authorities into the national review process, reflecting efforts to strengthen implementation of the SDGs at all levels.
On the sidelines of the forum, Anouparb met with UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
The meetings focused on future cooperation between Laos and the United Nations, including support measures to facilitate the country’s smooth and sustainable graduation from least developed country status and advance its long-term development priorities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
