Excellency, Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Distinguished representatives of the Government of Lao PDR, colleagues, and friends,

I am deeply honoured and profoundly moved to receive the Order of Friendship Medal of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

This recognition means more to me than I can easily express. It is a great personal honour, but I receive it first and foremost as a tribute to the long-standing partnership between the Government of Lao PDR and UNDP – a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, shared purpose, and a common commitment to the people of this country.

When I arrived in Lao PDR in June 2023, the country was navigating a complex moment – recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing economic pressures and climate shocks, adapting to a changing development finance landscape, and preparing for graduation from Least Developed Country status. 

Since then, Lao PDR has made meaningfull progress, including in restoring macroeconomic stability. Yet, many families continue to feel the weight of high living costs and global uncertainty. These are not simple challenges. They require perseverance, resilience, steady national leadership, and strong partnerships.

Over the past three years, I have had the privilege to witness that leadership – in ministries, in the National Assembly, in provinces and districts, and in communities across the country. I have seen the determination of Lao institutions to plan for the future, protect development gains, and ensure that progress reaches those who need it most.

UNDP has been proud to accompany this journey.

Together, we supported the national development planning process and the much needed reflection on how to finance  development priorities in a changing context, opening new conversations on how public resources, private investment, climate finance, and development cooperation can better serve national priorities.

We supported a more forward-looking Round Table Process and stronger aid coordination, including through the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness for 2026–2035. These efforts reflect the spirit of partnership that Lao PDR has long valued: national ownership, inclusive dialogue, and practical cooperation.

We also worked together to expand opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth – through the SDG Investor Map, support to value chains and MSMEs development, and new approaches to private sector financing. These are all part of a broader shift: moving beyond development assistance to a more diversified, resilient, and nationally driven financing ecosystem.

In the UXO sector, it has been a privilege to work under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UXO clearance is not only about removing dangerous remnants of war. It is about restoring land, livelihoods, confidence, and opportunity. It allows families to farm safely, children to play safely, and communities to build their future without fear. 

I am proud that, together with national authorities and partners, UNDP contributed to results that directly benefited more than 200,000 people, while also supporting stronger sector capacities, financing, evidence, and Lao PDR’s international leadership on cluster munitions. That leadership will be further demonstrated when Vientiane hosts the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in mid-September.

In governance, rule of law, and digital transformation, we have supported efforts to bring services closer to people – through legal aid, gender-responsive justice services, disability inclusion, support to the National Assembly, and the modernization of public service delivery. These efforts matter because effective governance is felt in people’s daily lives: when services are accessible, rights are protected, institutions are responsive, and no one is left behind.

On environment, climate action, and resilience, UNDP has been proud to support Lao PDR’s efforts to advance green growth, meet its climate commitments, protect biodiversity, strengthen water security, reduce disaster risk, and build resilience at the local level. At a time when climate impacts are increasingly visible, these efforts are essential to protect lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and future generations.

The road ahead will not be without challenges. Economic pressures, climate risks, demographic change, geopolitical shifts and the transition beyond LDC status will continue to test Lao PDR’s resilience and policy choices. But I leave with confidence. Lao PDR has shown time and again that progress is possible when vision is matched with perseverance and when partnership is grounded in trust.

I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Lao PDR for its confidence and cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been a steadfast partner in our joint success. I thank DIO, recognizing the leadership of Deputy Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo and Director General Moukdavanh Sisoulith. I also thank our partners in the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of Deputy Minister Soulivath Souvannachoumkham and Director General Vongkhamheng Vongthachack. I thank all the ministries, national institutions, provincial and local authorities, and all partners with whom UNDP has had the honour to work.

I also thank the Resident Coordinator’s Office and fellow UN agencies for their support, as well as development partners, civil society and private sector partners, and the many communities who have welcomed us, and reminded us why our work matters.

And I want to pay special tribute to the UNDP Lao PDR team. This medal may be presented to me today, but the achievements it recognizes belong to the dedication, professionalism, and perseverance of the entire team. Their commitment – often behind the scenes, often under pressure, always with purpose – has made this work possible.

As I conclude my assignment in Lao PDR, I do so with deep gratitude and confidence that, with my successor, the partnership between the Government and UNDP will grow even stronger. 

Lao PDR has given me more than professional memories. It has given me friendships, lessons in resilience, and a lasting admiration for the dignity, warmth, and determination of its people.

The Medal of Friendship is therefore especially meaningful. Friendship is a commitment – to stand with one another, to listen, to respect, and to continue working together for a better future.

I will carry this honour with humility and pride. And I will forever carry Lao PDR in my heart.

Thank you for this recognition, for your trust, and for the privilege of serving in this beautiful country.

Khop chai lai lai.