Laos asks partners for predictable support as it prepares to graduate from LDC status

Tong Sawan Pompeia told the General Assembly that Laos is preparing for formal graduation from least developed country (LDC) status and emphasized the need for predictable international support during the transition period.

"As the UN secretary general Antonio Guterres rightly stated, LDC graduation must be a reward, never a punishment," Pompeia said, and he described a "robust smooth transition strategy" for 20262029. The delegation asked partners to provide predictable transition support, extend concessional financing and allow smooth adjustment regarding international support measures.

The speech indicated Laos will pursue measures to safeguard development gains but provided no specific international financing commitments in the address.