UN General Assembly
2008

First, let me express, on behalf of the delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. d’Escoto Brockmann, a veteran diplomat of Nicaragua, on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. I trust that, with him at the helm, the work of the General Assembly is in good hands. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is of the belief that the United Nations remains an important and pre-eminent forum for addressing issues related to international cooperation for economic development, peace and security, human rights and the rule of law, based on dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building amongst States. For over half a century, the United Nations has played a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security and in promoting the socio-economic advancement of Member States, especially developing countries. Yet, as the world situation becomes ever more complex and unpredictable, the United Nations increasingly needs more robust and effective institutions. In our opinion, United Nations reform must be comprehensive, transparent, inclusive and balanced. We must strengthen the role and authority of