Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific via a recorded video.

PM: Leverage digital technology, innovation to spur development  

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, in his address to a regional meeting, has called for bold action to utilise digital technology and innovation to speed up fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), asking advanced countries to help the developing world maximise the benefits of digitalisation.
Addressing the 80th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday through a video recording, the Prime Minister said digital innovation is pivotal to spurring progress towards the SDGs, which is currently slow.
He cited a United Nations report which suggested that fulfilment of the SDGs is currently only 15 percent on track.
“Therefore, the utilisation of digital technology and innovations will be one of the most important tools to accelerate SDG implementation in our respective countries from now until 2030,” he told the gathering.
The session explored the theme ‘Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific’.
PM Sonexay lauded the theme, saying it holds profound significance in accelerating implementation of the international development agenda, as well as addressing challenges at the national, regional and global levels.
He urged advanced countries to ensure the developing world is better equipped to make the most of digitalisation.
“I call upon the international community to assist developing countries, especially groups of countries in special situations, to build their capacity in the field of digital innovation, in order to help advance the sustainable development path,” the Lao leader said.
To leverage digital technology in the context of Laos, the PM informed the session that the Lao government has adopted the 20-Year National Digital Economic Development Vision (2021-2040), the 10-Year National Digital Economy Strategy (2021-2030), and the 5-Year National Digital Economic Development Plan (2021-2025).
This digitalisation campaign is closely aligned with Laos’ national socio-economic development plans, which aim to foster the transformation of national socio-economic growth, while promoting balanced sustainable development and green growth.
These strategic plans underline the need for high quality human resources, modern ICT infrastructure, safeguarding of the environment, and strong cyber safety and security.
To ensure the implementation of the aforementioned strategic plans, the PM said, Laos must build conducive conditions and facilities within the country by enhancing regional and international cooperation, in parallel with attracting more foreign investment and the transfer of modern technology, as well as bringing emerging technological and scientific know-how and achievements and innovation to Laos, with the aim of bolstering socio-economic development.
“The Lao PDR remains committed to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals by integrating their targets and indicators into National Socio-Economic Development Plans, the national priority work plan, and the relevant sectoral plans,” he said.
Laos is currently in the process of preparing its 3rd Voluntary National Review, which will be presented at the upcoming 2024 High-Level Political Forum. The process includes all relevant sectors and stakeholders with technical assistance from the UN country team and UN-ESCAP.
Most importantly, the year 2024 holds great significance for Laos as it assumes the Chair of ASEAN under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”.
This year has also been designated Visit Laos Year and PM Sonexay took the opportunity to invite all participants to visit Laos.
“The Government and the people of the Lao PDR are ready to warmly welcome you on this occasion,” he said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 23, 2024)