On the occasion of the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development, 2018 - 2028 (UN 2023 Water Conference), the Lao delegation addressed the General Debate of the Plenary Meeting, reiterating the importance of water and water resources that must be managed carefully to ensure its sustainability. Further emphasis was made on the remarkable progress in the implementation of the water related SDG6, pertaining to the improvement of water supply coverage and the increased proportion of population utilizing an improved drinking water source.  

Additionally, the Lao delegation also made an intervention during one interactive dialogue on “Water for climate resilience and environment, further highlighting integrated water resources management and climate change adaptation to reduce climate impacts on the water cycle through implementing relevant projects in the country.  

Currently, with the support of the Government of South Korea and Global Environment Facility (GEF) through UNDP, a number of projects have been launched to support water management efforts. At the moment, the Integrated Water Management and Climate Resilience in Vulnerable Urban Areas of the Mekong River Basin, and Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) projects are being implemented by Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MoNRE).  

At the margin of the Conference, the Lao delegation also participated in interesting side events. One of which was organized by UNDP on “Accelerating Sustainable Development through Water Innovations and Solutions.  The delegation was also presented with some solutions to accelerate the SDGs implementation through addressing water challenges and other climate change impacts on freshwater ecosystems during the sessions.  

The UN 2023 Water Conference offered a meaningful moment for the international community to recognize the importance of water resources. It also acted as a platform to share lessons on how to address the challenges faced by countries in managing this asset, as well as to explore solutions that need scaling up to achieve the SDG6: clean water and sanitation for all.  

For Lao PDR, it was a significant opportunity seized to call for cooperation in the areas of managing integrated, green, as well as sustainability-oriented water and water resources. Through multidimensional and multisectoral approach, it will promote research and development cooperation on science and technology in water and water resources development and management, and building capacity and resilience to respond to unforeseen challenges relating to water utilization and water resources.  

Through “Water Action Agenda” consisting of voluntary commitments made by the international community as a result of this Conference, Lao PDR can benefit from this Agenda and expect for continued support in the field of water and water resource management in the country. The outcomes of this UN Water Conference will feed into this year’s Summits on the SDGs and Climate Ambition, as well as other high-level events in the upcoming year.  

UNDP is pleased to be part of the effort of the government of Lao PDR and look forward to working together on “Water for Sustainable Development”.