Latest
Press Release
30 November 2023
Amplifying the national HIV response - let communities lead
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Speech
24 November 2023
Remarks at the Launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
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Press Release
16 November 2023
Preparing for Climate Action: MoNRE, UN, World Bank and GGGI co-organise COP28 briefing
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Lao PDR
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. In addition to 17 global goals, in 2016 the Government of Lao PDR has formally launched the national SDG18, ‘Lives Safe from UXO’ (unexploded ordnance), in the presence of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. As UXO remains an issue affecting national development in multiple dimensions, Lao PDR's output under the SDG18 contributes to the national outcomes under all the other SDGs. On the present map, some of the activities attributed to Vientiane are those which are carried out across the whole country.
Speech
25 October 2023
Opening Remarks at United Nations Day 2023
Opening Remarks by Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator
Tuesday, 24 October 2023, UN House
18:15-19:00
UN Day Reception
Excellency Mme. Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment,
Excellency Mr. Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Excellency Mme. Phonevanh, Vice Minister of Ministry of Planning and Investment,
Excellency Ambassadors and Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear Government representatives,
Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen:
I am honoured to welcome you all to celebrate the 78th United Nations Day with the UN Country Team in Lao PDR.
I arrived in Lao PDR as Resident Coordinator only three weeks ago, so this is the first time that I am meeting many of you, and I look forward to speaking to you more this evening and getting to know you better over the coming weeks and months.
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful UN House in the centre of Vientiane, and it is a privilege to be able to share it with you as you all hold a stake in the United Nations, an organization that belongs to all nations and to every nation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we just heard from the Secretary General, the values and aspirations upon which the United Nations is founded are timeless. But the world is constantly changing – peace and sustainable development are under threat – giving us an unrelenting imperative to adapt and innovate to address the many challenges that confront us.
Before coming to Laos, I served at UN Headquarters in New York. This gave me the opportunity to be part of the SDG Summit and other high-level dialogues that took place around the General Assembly in September.
From the discussions that took place there, it is certain that – at the mid-point to 2030 – we are far off track from the goals that we set ourselves.
Globally, only 15% of the targets are on track, and many are going into reverse. Some goals are moving too slowly to make a difference in people’s lives. Others, including food security, climate action, and protecting biodiversity, have gone backwards. The pandemic, cost-of-living increase, conflicts and disasters have wiped out years of progress.
We must get out of this vicious cycle, and there are glimmers of hope. We are close to meeting global targets on skilled birth attendance, and on course to meet the goals on access to mobile networks and increased internet use.
The 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report concluded that ‘Fully achieving all Goals and targets in the remaining seven years will be difficult, but every inch of progress matters. And this must be achieved globally – leaving no country, society or person behind.’
Using a sports metaphor, we may be losing at halftime, but we must build on the successes to win the match.
Excellencies,
Here in Lao PDR, challenges are no less daunting that in the rest of the world. But challenges often present new opportunities, and one such opportunity is in the partnerships to support the values we stand for, and commitments we share. Everyone in this room shares the commitment to Laos’ inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. By working together more effectively than we ever have done before, we can realise the opportunities that are in front us.
With our shared commitment to leave no one behind, this evening we wanted to shine a special spotlight on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Making up 16% of the world’s population, and often amongst the poorest in their communities, this is an essential group to engage with if we are to achieve inclusive progress.
In the particular context of Lao PDR, where as a consequence of the continued mortal threat from explosive remnants of war, we have the special SDG18 on lives safe from unexploded ordnance, this is especially important.
We have invited Mr. Viengkeoubon Thammavong, a UXO survivor, to join us this evening to share his story, and I look forward to hearing from him shortly.
Excellencies,
In the spirit of UN Day, and the call from the Secretary General to be truly united nations, I hope that we can all renew and intensify our efforts toward that vision of a brighter future.
I would like to, once again, appreciate you for joining us, on behalf of the whole UN Country Team, a dedicated family of 25 agencies, funds and programmes, working side-by-side with you all, day in, day out, places near and far, across development sectors and goals.
We all thank you and wish you a pleasant evening.
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Publication
03 April 2023
UN Country Annual Results Report 2022
Under this framework, the 25 agencies, funds, and programmes that make up the UN country team (UNCT) have worked to support progress in four critical integrated priority areas: People’s
Wellbeing; Inclusive Prosperity; Governance and Rule of Law; and Environment, Climate Change, and Resilience.
This progress report summarizes highlights of 2022 achievements and lessons learned from this new way of working. It shows how we have worked in more integrated ways, seeking higher
policy and programmatic coherence in our response to the most pressing needs, taking important steps towards addressing complex challenges in a more transformational manner.
Wellbeing; Inclusive Prosperity; Governance and Rule of Law; and Environment, Climate Change, and Resilience.
This progress report summarizes highlights of 2022 achievements and lessons learned from this new way of working. It shows how we have worked in more integrated ways, seeking higher
policy and programmatic coherence in our response to the most pressing needs, taking important steps towards addressing complex challenges in a more transformational manner.
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Publication
02 November 2022
Joint Programme on High-Frequency Data: Bulletin 1 Vulnerable Groups
This information bulletin was jointly developed by the Macroeconomic Research Institute, LASES, and the UN in Lao PDR under the Joint Programme on “High Frequency Data” in response to the current food, energy, and financing crises. The bulletin spotlights Vulnerable Groups in the context of the financial and socio-economic challenges in Lao PDR and is the first bulletin in a series as part the Joint Programme. The second one will provide information on “Food Security and Livelihoods” and the third bulletin is on “Macroeconomic analysis of the country’s economy”.
More about the programme:
The Joint Programme was set up in the context of the rapidly depreciating value of the KIP and the rising prices for food, fuel and fertilisers which came on top of the already exacerbated financial and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The current shocks can affect a wide range of individuals in many areas ranging from employment status, education, food consumption to gender-based violence. To capture these recent manifestations and potential trends, the Joint Programme considers collected data from households and businesses across the country as well as macro-economic developments.
Until December 2022, the data collected and related analysis will be made available to interested stakeholders and distributed through three information bulletins and discussed during a multi-stakeholder workshop towards the end of the programme. The outcome of this workshop as well as the most significant findings of the three bulletins will be summarised in a final policy report. This Joint Programme is funded by the Joint SDG Fund’s Development Emergency Modality, which was set to give more than 100 UN country teams worldwide the opportunity to receive fast and flexible seed financing to support governments in understanding the current changes and needs to tackle the ongoing global food, energy, and financing crises.
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Publication
23 December 2022
Joint Programme on High-Frequency Data: Bulletin 2 - Food Security and Livelihoods
This information bulletin was jointly developed by the Macroeconomic Research Institute, LASES, and the UN in Lao PDR under the Joint Programme on “High Frequency Data” in response to the current food, energy, and financing crises. The bulletin spotlights Vulnerable Groups in the context of the financial and socio-economic challenges in Lao PDR and is the second bulletin in a series as part the Joint Programme. The second one provides information on “Food Security and Livelihoods” and the third bulletin will be on “Macroeconomic analysis of the country’s economy”.
More about the programme:
The Joint Programme was set up in the context of the rapidly depreciating value of the KIP and the rising prices for food, fuel and fertilisers which came on top of the already exacerbated financial and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The current shocks can affect a wide range of individuals in many areas ranging from employment status, education, food consumption to gender-based violence. To capture these recent manifestations and potential trends, the Joint Programme considers collected data from households and businesses across the country as well as macro-economic developments.
Until December 2022, the data collected and related analysis will be made available to interested stakeholders and distributed through three information bulletins and discussed during a multi-stakeholder workshop towards the end of the programme. The outcome of this workshop as well as the most significant findings of the three bulletins will be summarised in a final policy report. This Joint Programme is funded by the Joint SDG Fund’s Development Emergency Modality, which was set to give more than 100 UN country teams worldwide the opportunity to receive fast and flexible seed financing to support governments in understanding the current changes and needs to tackle the ongoing global food, energy, and financing crises.
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Publication
08 May 2023
Joint Programme on High-Frequency Data: Bulletin 3 - Macroeconomic Outlook of Lao PDR
This information bulletin was jointly developed by the Macroeconomic Research Institute, LASES, and the UN in Lao PDR under the Joint Programme on “High Frequency Data” in response to the current food, energy, and financing crises. The bulletin spotlights Vulnerable Groups in the context of the financial and socio-economic challenges in Lao PDR and is the second bulletin in a series as part the Joint Programme. The second one provides information on “Food Security and Livelihoods” and the third bulletin will be on “Macroeconomic analysis of the country’s economy”.
More about the programme:
The Joint Programme was set up in the context of the rapidly depreciating value of the KIP and the rising prices for food, fuel and fertilisers which came on top of the already exacerbated financial and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The current shocks can affect a wide range of individuals in many areas ranging from employment status, education, food consumption to gender-based violence. To capture these recent manifestations and potential trends, the Joint Programme considers collected data from households and businesses across the country as well as macro-economic developments.
Until December 2022, the data collected and related analysis will be made available to interested stakeholders and distributed through three information bulletins and discussed during a multi-stakeholder workshop towards the end of the programme. The outcome of this workshop as well as the most significant findings of the three bulletins will be summarised in a final policy report. This Joint Programme is funded by the Joint SDG Fund’s Development Emergency Modality, which was set to give more than 100 UN country teams worldwide the opportunity to receive fast and flexible seed financing to support governments in understanding the current changes and needs to tackle the ongoing global food, energy, and financing crises.
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Story
09 November 2023
Lao People’s Democratic Republic progresses towards stronger health insurance and social security system
VIENTIANE (ILO News) - The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has embarked on a landmark revision of its legal framework on health insurance and social security, on its path towards achieving universal coverage.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting these efforts though its regional Luxembourg-funded project, “Building social protection floors for all: support to the extension of social health protection in Asia.”
Work is ongoing towards a milestone enactment of a revised Law on Social Security and the Law on Health Insurance in the third quarter of 2024. The aim is to establish a comprehensive, coordinated, effective and adequate social security and health insurance legal framework in the country.
Over the years, laudable progress has been made towards this objective in Lao PDR. In particular, the country’s social health protection landscape has changed dramatically over the past two decades and great strides have been made towards the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. This has been achieved through the gradual harmonization of previously fragmented social health protection administration through the implementation of a National Health Insurance scheme. As a result, according to the Ministry of Health, 94 per cent of the population currently benefit from social health protection coverage.
“Strengthening Lao PDR's social protection system is crucial for reducing poverty, inequality, and vulnerability among its citizens. It promotes economic stability, fosters social cohesion, and ensures that individuals have access to essential healthcare and social security they need,” said ILO’s Programme Manager Marielle Phe Goursat, who is overseeing the work.
Despite the achievements to date, there are remaining challenges to overcome to ensure equitable access to health care for all citizens, without financial hardship.
Although legal coverage is high, out-of-pocket expenditures represent 49 per cent of current health expenditures, which leaves households vulnerable to the risk of catastrophic health spending due to accidents or ill health. This risk is exacerbated by an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases and population ageing.
Moreover, compliance with the contributory scheme for workers in the formal sector is a challenge, undermining the financial sustainability of the national health insurance scheme. Inequalities in access to health care facilities and doctors are also prevalent in the context of a largely rural, remote population.
In an effort to address these challenges, in May 2023, ILO shared initial recommendations on the amendments to the social security and health insurance legal framework with the Lao Social Security Office (LSSO) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the National Health Insurance Bureau (NHIB) of the Ministry of Health.
This was followed by the initiation of a nationwide consultation process on the revision process led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, with technical and financial support from the ILO.
As part of this process, a comprehensive legal review was implemented to support the alignment of the legislative framework with international labour standards, in line with Lao PDR’s National Social Protection Strategy Vision 2030, Goal 2025, and the National Health Insurance Strategy 2021-2025.
The review encompasses a thorough mapping of the existing national social security legal framework; and an assessment of the national legal framework to identify good practices and well-regulated areas, overlaps and conflicts, and gaps in relation to international labour standards, administration and system design.
On 21 September 2023, the findings of the review were presented during a consultative workshop bringing together stakeholders from government as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations to gather feedback on the law revision process.
The final health insurance assessment report includes key recommendations to the Government to achieve increased coverage and improved service delivery, administration, governance and fund sustainability, and a road map towards the introduction of the new draft legislations.
In parallel with the review, an actuarial analysis, research on access to social health protection for persons with disabilities, and a review of lessons learned from the implementation of Lao PDR’s Community Based Health Insurance scheme are ongoing, which will provide a further evidence base for the law revisions. The next step is the process of drafting the revised laws, with enactment anticipated in mid-2024.
“ILO will continue to collaborate closely with the Government of Lao PDR, employers and workers throughout the drafting process,” said Goursat. “The success of these efforts will benefit the lives of millions of people throughout the country.”
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting these efforts though its regional Luxembourg-funded project, “Building social protection floors for all: support to the extension of social health protection in Asia.”
Work is ongoing towards a milestone enactment of a revised Law on Social Security and the Law on Health Insurance in the third quarter of 2024. The aim is to establish a comprehensive, coordinated, effective and adequate social security and health insurance legal framework in the country.
Over the years, laudable progress has been made towards this objective in Lao PDR. In particular, the country’s social health protection landscape has changed dramatically over the past two decades and great strides have been made towards the country’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. This has been achieved through the gradual harmonization of previously fragmented social health protection administration through the implementation of a National Health Insurance scheme. As a result, according to the Ministry of Health, 94 per cent of the population currently benefit from social health protection coverage.
“Strengthening Lao PDR's social protection system is crucial for reducing poverty, inequality, and vulnerability among its citizens. It promotes economic stability, fosters social cohesion, and ensures that individuals have access to essential healthcare and social security they need,” said ILO’s Programme Manager Marielle Phe Goursat, who is overseeing the work.
Despite the achievements to date, there are remaining challenges to overcome to ensure equitable access to health care for all citizens, without financial hardship.
Although legal coverage is high, out-of-pocket expenditures represent 49 per cent of current health expenditures, which leaves households vulnerable to the risk of catastrophic health spending due to accidents or ill health. This risk is exacerbated by an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases and population ageing.
Moreover, compliance with the contributory scheme for workers in the formal sector is a challenge, undermining the financial sustainability of the national health insurance scheme. Inequalities in access to health care facilities and doctors are also prevalent in the context of a largely rural, remote population.
In an effort to address these challenges, in May 2023, ILO shared initial recommendations on the amendments to the social security and health insurance legal framework with the Lao Social Security Office (LSSO) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the National Health Insurance Bureau (NHIB) of the Ministry of Health.
This was followed by the initiation of a nationwide consultation process on the revision process led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, with technical and financial support from the ILO.
As part of this process, a comprehensive legal review was implemented to support the alignment of the legislative framework with international labour standards, in line with Lao PDR’s National Social Protection Strategy Vision 2030, Goal 2025, and the National Health Insurance Strategy 2021-2025.
The review encompasses a thorough mapping of the existing national social security legal framework; and an assessment of the national legal framework to identify good practices and well-regulated areas, overlaps and conflicts, and gaps in relation to international labour standards, administration and system design.
On 21 September 2023, the findings of the review were presented during a consultative workshop bringing together stakeholders from government as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations to gather feedback on the law revision process.
The final health insurance assessment report includes key recommendations to the Government to achieve increased coverage and improved service delivery, administration, governance and fund sustainability, and a road map towards the introduction of the new draft legislations.
In parallel with the review, an actuarial analysis, research on access to social health protection for persons with disabilities, and a review of lessons learned from the implementation of Lao PDR’s Community Based Health Insurance scheme are ongoing, which will provide a further evidence base for the law revisions. The next step is the process of drafting the revised laws, with enactment anticipated in mid-2024.
“ILO will continue to collaborate closely with the Government of Lao PDR, employers and workers throughout the drafting process,” said Goursat. “The success of these efforts will benefit the lives of millions of people throughout the country.”
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Story
10 November 2023
Just another day in the lives of the people in Xieng Khuoang
I looked at the smiling faces of school children in front of me.
They looked excited and nervous at the same time. They watched us with curiosity – a group of ‘farangs’ for whom they had been waiting to perform for.
We were at the primary school in Dong village, Paek district of Xieng Khouang province in Lao PDR. It was the first stop on our field visit. The idyllic surroundings contrasted even more sharply with the purpose of our visit. We were a team of development partners who had come to witness how unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were being cleared so that local communities could be safe.
The contradictions continue. In 2019, the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuoang province, comparable to Stonehenge, became a World Heritage site. With its hot springs and its history, the province could be a tourist magnet, much like its neighbouring province, Luang Prabang.
The programme started with teachers from UXO Laos explaining the dangers of UXOs to children.
I looked around – the children were between six and 12 years of age. There was no mincing of words. I cringed. Would I be able to tell this to my almost five-year-old in the same way? Or would I worry that I was going to traumatize him?
As I listened, I realized slowly that the learning tools – the visuals, the songs and the puppet show – made the children laugh and relax. Is the UXO a toy? No! Do you want to lose a limb? No! Do UXOs have an expiry date? No!
The school grounds itself bore telltale signs of how real UXOs were for these children. There were two large bomb craters to remind everyone every day. The risk was real and it was absolutely imperative that they knew it.
As a student of War Studies, I had studied the Indo-China wars. But nowhere in my reading had I learnt that Laos was the most bombed country per capita in the world! Is this what is called collateral damage? What an inadequate word for a war that had happened 50 years ago, for a war which is far from over for those who live the daily risk of losing their limbs, or worse, their lives.
Our next stop was the UXO clearance site. As the UXO Lao’s All Women clearance team demonstrated how they detect and detonate, I couldn’t help but think of how challenging and inter-connected development is.
The large presence of UXOs meant that there were swathes of land still unavailable for cultivation. The constant and ever-present danger meant that UXO survivors were often disabled. Together, this meant that local communities were vulnerable to food insecurity and job insecurity.
The Government of Lao PDR’s Sustainable Development Goal number 18 is Lives Safe from UXO. The road ahead is steep, but there is no doubt that it has to be climbed faster. As we are at the halfway mark to the SDGs, this is the time to redouble our efforts for the people of this special country.
The blog is written by Shairi Mathur, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, Lao PDR as part of an official mission led by the UN Development Programme with development partners to visit the UNDP project.
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Story
13 October 2023
Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework in Lao PDR: Progress and the Road Ahead
13 October 2023: Marking International Day for Disaster Reduction this year marks the mid-point in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a global agreement designed to mitigate the impact of disasters and enhance resilience to future risks.
What is the Sendai Framework?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015- 2030 aims to reduce the impact of disasters and enhance resilience to future risks. The framework outlines four priorities for action: understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and recovery.
Why Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework?
All countries are encouraged to undertake a mid-term review of the Sendai Framework. The mid-term review is an opportunity to assess progress, identify challenges and gaps and make adjustments to ensure the successful implementation of the framework. A delegate from Lao PDR participated in the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the mid-term review of the Sendai Framework in May 2023 in New York. Lao PDR has conducted a mid-term review of the Sendai Framework in 2023 which assesses the progress, challenges and achievements so far as identified under the four main pillars:
Understanding Disaster Risk:
Lao PDR has a data collection system and capacities to collect and analyze data at national and sub-national levels.
Investments in hydrometeorological stations have improved early warning and preparedness, especially with regard to floods.
A national climate change vulnerability assessment was conducted in 2019. Sub-national flood and drought maps are currently being prepared, and village-level disaster preparedness and response plans are being developed in some villages under the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.
Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance:
Lao PDR has formulated the Disaster Management Law 2019, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2021-2030, and the Resilience Framework 2022-2025. Disaster risk reduction and climate change have been integrated into the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Capacities of disaster management committees have been strengthened and disaster response exercises are regularly implemented.
Lao PDR has prioritized the development and implementation of a sub-national disaster risk reduction strategy, with the aim of having a strategy in place by 2026. Three provinces have already developed their own disaster risk reduction strategies and action plans.
Lao PDR has emphasized the integration of anticipatory actions into disaster risk reduction plans at the sub-national level.
Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience:
Investments in infrastructure development include the construction of flood control systems, prevention of bank erosion and use of renewal energy systems. Several of these initiatives have been implemented in collaboration with international development partners with a special focus on empowering women and youth.
The country has also developed resilience-building codes and guidelines. The Government of Lao PDR launched the National Financial Protection Strategy against Disaster Risks in 2023 with the aim to strengthen the resilience.
Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response and Recovery:
Lao PDR has strengthened its humanitarian logistics support and established mobile logistics centers across the country. This has facilitated timely and efficient response operations.
The country has also focused on building its capacity to organize larger-scale response operations and has improved its post-disaster recovery assessment tools.
Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future
Lao PDR is one of the 30 pilot countries under the UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) global initiative. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected by early warnings by 2027. Through this initiative, it is aimed to foster disaster risk knowledge, enhance disaster preparedness and response, improve forecasting and monitoring of early warnings, and enhance dissemination and communication of early warning information. The implementation of the EW4ALL initiative in Lao PDR is expected to contribute to all four pillars of the Sendai Framework.
The Resilience Framework 2022-2025 and the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative in Lao PDR are interconnected. The Resilience Framework offers a comprehensive approach to enhance resilience at all levels, encompassing individuals, communities, and institutions. It underscores the importance of early warning systems as a crucial element of disaster preparedness. The objective of the EW4ALL initiative is to ensure that early warning systems are accessible and effective for everyone, including marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
In a country where the Covid-19 pandemic was followed by the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertilizer and finance), keeping the momentum on the progress made is a difficult path. This is where initiatives such as the EW4ALL are innovative, bringing together stakeholders so that efforts can be joined up and resources – both financial and technical – can be optimized. Studies around the world have proven that the cost of prevention is much lower than the cost of response and recovery. Such a long-term view for resilience investments in Lao PDR are critical, particularly as climate change is increasing the scale and frequency of disasters in the country and the region.
Lao PDR’s mid-term review of the Sendai Framework provides five broad recommendations:
First, it calls on all relevant stakeholders in disaster risk reduction to collaborate and harmonize their efforts in jointly building the capacities of government at all levels.
Second, it calls on the government to allocate budget towards early warning, preparedness and risk reduction measures so as to mitigate the impact of disasters.
Third, it calls on public-private partnerships that leverage resources, expertise and networks to facilitate comprehensive and sustainable approaches to reduce disaster risks.
Fourth, it calls for the need to disseminate risk knowledge at the sub-national levels and among the community which is often the first responder in the case of a disaster event.
Fifth, it calls for the conduct and regular updating of hazard risk assessments across the country to map existing as well as anticipate future risks for risk informed planning and development.
As the theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction Day suggests, disasters affect the poorest and the most vulnerable the most. Risk reduction is essential in our fight against poverty and inequality and in order to ensure that we leave no one behind – women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups, migrant workers and other vulnerable groups.
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Story
02 October 2023
Lao PDR Advances Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) Initiative through National Consultation
The national rollout of the Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative in Lao PDR has been commenced with a multi-stakeholder consultation workshop held on September 21, 2023, in Vientiane.
Last year, during the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres launched the early warnings for all initiative, aiming to ensure that all countries establish inclusive, multi-stakeholder early warnings systems by the end of 2027. The initiative at the global level is spearheading by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), along with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
To roll out the early warnings for all initiative in Lao PDR, the government has assigned a national focal point from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The one-day workshop, organized by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, and other global pillar leads, aimed to initiate a nationally owned, multi-sector, and multi-stakeholder mechanism for framing an early warnings mechanism that is contextualized to the country. The objectives of the workshop included reviewing the existing early warnings scenario in the country, validating stakeholder mapping and gap analysis, discussing the establishment of a national coordination mechanism, and initiating the formulation of a country roadmap for early warnings.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders including line ministries, United Nations agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, donors, private sectors such as hydropower companies, Lao telecom, and media. A total of 112 people participated in the workshop, including 45% women. During the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions led by national and international professionals.
Mr. Chanthaneth BUALAPHA, the vice minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, emphasized the severity of disasters in the country and the importance of the early warnings for all initiative in Lao PDR. He stated, "The success of the Early Warnings for All initiative depends on the effective implementation of the 2023–2027 roadmap. I believe that the pillar-led agencies, as well as all representatives from various organizations participating in the workshop, will play a significant role in ensuring the necessary resources for the implementation early waning for all roadmap in Lao PDR."
Ms. Pia Rebello Britto, the UN Resident Coordinator ad interim for Lao PDR, highlighted that the aim of the early warnings for all initiative is not to reinvent the wheel but rather to promote collaboration and synergies, harnessing the comparative advantage of stakeholders and building upon existing programs and initiatives in the country.
As part of the initiative, Lao PDR conducted a stakeholder mapping exercise to identify key actors working in areas relevant to the pillars of the early warnings system and understand their priorities and willingness to continue working on early warnings system. In the initial stage of the mapping exercise, 38 agencies participated, with 20 of them having ongoing projects that partially contribute to the pillars of the early warnings system, and 12 agencies expressing interest in future collaboration on early warnings.
Prior to the workshop, a preliminary gap analysis was conducted under each pillar of the early warnings for all initiative. The findings of the analysis were then validated during the workshop. Discussions were held on formulating the early warnings for all roadmap for 2023-2027, and input from multi-stakeholders was received, which will be incorporated into the national early warnings for all roadmap. Additionally, a structure for the national coordination mechanism on the early warnings for all initiative was discussed and proposed during the workshop.
The Early Warnings for All multi-stakeholder consultation workshop in Lao PDR marked an important milestone and laid the foundation for developing the national early warnings for all roadmap 2023-2027.
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04 July 2023
Exploring forest certification systems, livelihoods generation and carbon finance for sustainable forestry in Lao PDR
Thakhek, June 2023: Last month, the United Nations in Lao PDR (UN) convened stakeholders from across sectors for two days in Khammouane Province, to discuss a way forward to further develop sustainable forestry in Lao PDR. The meeting was part of the Sustainable Forest Trade in the Lower Mekong Region (SFT-LMR) Initiative, in the context of broader collaborative efforts between the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the UN-REDD programme (i.e., Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries).
Forests and forestry are essential for Lao PDR, not least as forests host much of the country’s rich biodiversity. Over the past two years alone, 53 new species were discovered in Lao PDR, 45 of which are endemic. Sustainable forest management will be crucial to ensure the country’s forest cover, which is aimed to reach 70 per cent, continues to provide ecosystem services – crucial to the country’s development and well-being of its people and wildlife.
Sustainable forestry is also a key component of Lao PDR’s ambitious climate targets. The country’s latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in May 2021, reflects the national target to increase forest cover to 70 per cent of total land area by 2030. Emissions reductions from the forestry and land use sector will be critical to achieve Lao PDR’s plans for 60 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030, and climate neutrality by 2050.
While committed to climate action and environmental protection, Lao PDR also aims to leverage its natural resource endowment for public sector revenue generation, economic development and job creation – amongst others through the timber industry and forestry carbon finance. It is in this context that FAO organised a two-day tree plantation field trip and workshop, bringing together 46 participants from Government, private sector, research and academia, trade associations, and development partners, in order to better understand the challenges and discuss a way forward balancing economic and environmental goals.
Associate Professor, Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, the Deputy Director of Department of Forestry (DoF) who presided over the workshop as its chair confirms: “the natural conditions and climate of the country lends itself to a thriving tree plantations sector, which can contribute mitigating the global challenge of climate change. We also need responsible companies to bring in sustainable high-quality investments into the sector, including in the processing industry with many different high value-added sub-sectors, creating job opportunities and revenue streams.”
Visiting the sites
On the first day, participants took part in a field trip to Mekong Timber Plantations (MTP)’s tree plantations, destined to be used as raw material inputs for the company’s veneer mill. MTP’s plantation are certified against the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)’s social and environmental standards.
The field trip also included a visit of MTP’s seedling nursery, and lastly of the smallholder plantations in Nano village of Hinbun district, where smallholders are planting acacia and eucalyptus to sell to companies such as MTP, after a rotation of about eight years. At MTP, out-grower contracts are signed with smallholders, which involve offers of seedlings at discounted prices – as a means to encourage ownership. At time of harvest, a first offer of sales should be made to MTP – unless the smallholders are able to find other buyers with better prices – hence ensuring relative bargaining power and an environmentally sustainable livelihood.
Looking ahead
On the second day, a workshop in Thakhek served as a multistakeholder platform to exchange views and discuss how to further develop a sustainable forestry sector. Morning sessions comprised plenary presentations to reflect the broader developments and challenges in the plantation sector: by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) of Lao PDR on the Ministry’s vision and policies, by the European Union (EU) on its upcoming EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), by the President of the Lao Rubber Association (LRA) Dr. Bounthong Buahom on the future of Lao rubber industry, by policy expert and researcher Dr. Hilary Smith on forest plantations in Lao PDR, and by Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and FAO representatives Mr. Richard Laity and Ms. Akiko Inoguchi on forest certification systems and forest carbon finance respectively.
Afternoon sessions focused on emerging issues that interface with the plantation sector in Lao PDR, through breakout group discussions on A National Forest Certification System for Lao PDR and Forest Carbon Finance.
Leveraging expertise from Dr. Nguyen Van Bich and his experience from Vietnam, the forest certification group updated an ambitious action plan for accelerated development of a national certification system for Lao PDR over the next two years. If implemented successfully, the plan and national certification system development would enable smallholder forest plantation owners to access forest certification through a simplified process through groups of smallholders, thereby facilitating their access to new markets that demand legal and sustainable timber – including preparation for the EUDR.
In the meantime, the carbon finance group mapped public benefits and risks of tree plantations (afforestation) forest carbon projects, to consider as Lao PDR further develops its institutional arrangement and legal framework on forest carbon. Going forward, the outcomes of the carbon finance session will serve as a foundation for MAF’s development of sectoral (forestry) carbon finance guidelines, in continued collaboration with FAO and UNEP under the framework of the UN-REDD programme.
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Press Release
30 November 2023
Amplifying the national HIV response - let communities lead
Let’s reflect on the achievements made when communities led.
From well-organized community mobilization, the Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APL+) in Lao PDR engaged with nearly 740,000 individuals in awareness-raising campaigns in communities and on social media platforms to promote equality and stigma-free environment. This has resulted in improved access to essential services for people living HIV and populations at risk of HIV.
This instance indicates that letting communities lead builds stronger and healthier societies.
However, communities are not fully leveraged for their expertise and leadership. Community-led responses are under-recognized and under-resourced. Underfunding of community-led initiatives is leaving them struggling to continue operating and expanding into areas and populations that most need their support. This threatens losing the gains made in the national HIV response from the last decade and jeopardizes the sustained impact of the HIV programme for years to come.
Globally, funding for communities has fallen in the last 10 years from 31% in 2012 to 20% in 2021. These funding shortages, policy and regulatory hurdles, capacity constraints, crackdowns on civil society and on the human rights of marginalised communities are obstructing the progress of HIV prevention, treatment and care services.
It is in everyone’s interests to fully fund and empower community-led organisations. Removing the many obstacles they face will enable communities to exercise their role and leadership towards realizing the end of AIDS in Lao PDR.
This is why communities are at the centre of World AIDS Day commemorations this year, including in a major new UNAIDS report Let Communities Lead.
The report sets out the facts and figures that demonstrate communities’ impact and shares how progress is being driven by communities through case studies from across the world and through guest essays by nine pioneering community leaders. As the report notes, there is a need not only to recognise the contribution that communities make but also to pull down the barriers that stand in their way.
That means:
The leadership role of communities needs to be core in all HIV plans and programmes and in their formulation, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
Communities need to be fully and reliably funded to allow them to scale up their services and for workers to be properly remunerated for their contribution
And barriers to community leadership need to be removed. There must be an enabling regulatory and legal environment that allows communities the space to operate and protects human rights for all, including gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs and sex workers.
It has been a long-standing principle of the HIV response to bring people living with and affected by HIV to the decision-making table. Nothing About Us Without Us! Where this is being followed, progress is being made. Supporting communities in their leadership is not only the right thing to do, but also essential for advancing public health.
AIDS is far from over. In Lao PDR, it is estimated that at least one young adult becomes infected with HIV every day. 72% of total new HIV infections are among key populations and their sexual partners. Increasing proportion of new HIV infections are among men and boys; they accounted for 68% all new HIV infections in 2022. From January to October 2023, the number of people newly diagnosed with HIV was 1,757.
We need to invest more in communities to unleash the full potential of community leadership to address the gaps we still have in the national HIV response. And to sustain community-led responses, we have to encourage a sense of ownership. This motivates communities to invest in the future free of HIV through both pride in protecting themselves and their loved ones and preventing transmission to others.
Every year, the world marks World AIDS Day on December 1st. On this World AIDS Day, we call upon the government, development partners, and civil society organizations to invest in and support the role of community leadership in the national HIV response. For decades, our synergy with communities, especially people living with HIV and key populations, has strengthened the HIV response, built necessary capacities, and harnessed the power of community advocacy. None of this is possible without support – political, financial, and technical.
As we move forward in our path to end the AIDS epidemic, let us remember the journey, the milestones, and the lessons. And more importantly let’s recognize that community-led initiatives are not a supplementary effort but an integral part of the solution. We must continue to invest in promoting community-led responses to HIV that drive us closer to a world of healthy lives. By working hand in hand with communities, we can achieve a future where HIV is no longer a global threat, but a historic achievement.
The op-ed is written by Patricia Ongpin, UNAIDS Country Director for Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Malaysia, Dr. Panina Phoumsavanh, Director of Center for HIV, AIDS and STI (CHAS) Phanthamith Seangpanya, Director of Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APL+).
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Press Release
16 November 2023
Preparing for Climate Action: MoNRE, UN, World Bank and GGGI co-organise COP28 briefing
On Thursday 9 November 2023, the United Nations in Lao PDR (UN), World Bank, and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) jointly supported the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MoNRE) to organise a Briefing Seminar for Lao PDR’s Delegation to the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
The day-long briefing event, co-chaired in the morning by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment H.E. Mme Bounkham Vorachit and World Bank Country Manager Mr Alex Kremer (on behalf of co-organising development partners – UN, World Bank and GGGI), sought to familiarise all members of Lao PDR’s COP28 delegation with key topics to be discussed at the Conference, and to support coordinated inter-ministerial preparations through technical discussions facilitated by climate policy experts.
As H.E. Mme Bounkham Vorachit highlighted in her opening remarks, “the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change serves as a crucial forum for countries that are a party to the Convention. It presents an opportunity to discuss and negotiate critical issues such as climate change adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, capacity building, financing mechanisms, technology transfer, and other related matters. Lao PDR’s participation in the upcoming COP28 holds significant importance to enhance national climate change management efforts.”
In this context, the preparatory event was attended by over 70 participants including Government officials from Ministries and Departments expected to be represented in Lao PDR’s delegation to COP28 (i.e., 27 Lao delegates from six Ministries expected at COP28), other Government Ministries with mandates related to climate policy, academia, and development partners supporting the Government’s climate priorities.
Following keynote remarks by Mr Saood AlNoori, Head of Asian Affairs for the UAE COP28 Presidency, highlighting power of partnerships to make “transformational progress that delivers for climate, economies, and people”, an introductory first session served as an orientation on UNFCCC COP events, Paris Agreement and international climate negotiations processes. The subsequent session covered Lao PDR’s climate priorities, commitments to date, and intentions going into COP28 (led by MoNRE), followed in turn by a series of thematic sessions (led by the UN, World Bank and GGGI) which examined key issues related to climate finance (including a review of the global climate finance landscape and opportunities for Lao PDR), adaptation (including Loss & Damage and national adaptation planning), and mitigation (with a focus on cooperative approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement). Thematic sessions comprised an overview of international discussions to date, highlighted relevance for Lao PDR specifically, and included suggestions of related (side-)events Lao PDR’s delegation could engage with at COP28.
With three weeks left between the briefing seminar and the opening of COP28, the Lao delegation is now finalising its preparations the Conference, to make the most out of the opportunity COP28 presents for Lao PDR – as a climate-vulnerable and low-emitting country – to advocate for its interests, learn from and exchange best practice, and build partnerships for heightened climate action.
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Press Release
24 August 2023
Paving the path to prosperity for Europe and Asia’s Landlocked Developing Countries
They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from their lack of direct access to the sea, geographical remoteness, and lack of integration with world trade and global value chains. They contend with high trade costs, limited transport infrastructure, and cumbersome border and customs regulations — all of which undermine the competitiveness of their exports and hinder economic growth. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and the global macroeconomic downturn, have further compounded these pre-existing structural challenges, eroding some of the hard-won achievements of the past decade.
So where do we go from here?
The challenges are daunting, but there is a window of opportunity to reshape the trajectory of development for Europe and Asia's LLDCs. Next year, world leaders will gather in Kigali, Rwanda, to agree on a new programme of action to transform the livelihoods of over half a billion people living in landlocked developing countries globally. In the lead-up to this momentous conference, the United Nations is joining the 14 LLDCs in Europe and Asia, along with their transit neighbours, development partners, and other stakeholders this week in Bangkok. The meeting will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs (VPoA) - a major international development compact agreed upon in 2014, outlining key areas of development to improve landlocked economies. It will also discuss priorities for the formulation of the next Programme of Action. For Europe and Asia, these priorities should include, among other important elements, the following five key areas.
Transit and Trade facilitation
The urgency of better integrating Europe and Asia's LLDCs into the global trade landscape and value chains cannot be overstated, and freedom of transit - allowing LLDCs to move freely through their neighbouring countries under mutually agreed terms - holds the key to achieving this. By providing LLDCs with unimpeded access to international markets, freedom of transit can help Euro-Asia's LLDCs to diversify their economies, attract investments, and integrate into global trade networks. In turn, this will also help transit countries to harness untapped potentials of enhanced connectivity, trade, and regional integration.
The continued establishment of efficient border infrastructure, such as one-stop border posts, SMART corridors, and intelligent transport systems (ITS), also remains of equal importance in their bid to increase trade. These measures have the potential to streamline and accelerate the movement of goods, ultimately reducing bottlenecks and trade expenses. But none of this would be possible without adequate infrastructure in the LLDCs, their transit neighbours, and stronger partnership and collaboration to enhance connectivity.
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure development is a catalyst for overcoming the inherent geographical challenges and other structural constraints faced by LLDCs. Adequate and well-maintained infrastructure, including road, rail, and air networks, can facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across borders, reducing transportation costs and transit times, while IT infrastructure is vital for digital solutions, streamlining trade processes, fostering economic diversification, and harnessing the potentials of e-commerce. It is important to highlight the strides that have been achieved in enhancing transport networks across many Euro-Asian LLDCs, such as the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, and Euro-Asian Transport Links. However, several LLDCs in Europe and Asia continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and disjointed connections between different modes of transportation. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure developments, particularly robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products from LLDCs to global markets, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors.
For instance, in Bhutan - reliability and quality of roads continues to be an issue due to its rugged terrain while Nepal is confronted with multiple challenges such as a lack of operational efficiency and an inability to attract investment through public-private partnerships. During the next programme of action, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to significantly boost investment in infrastructure development that can complete missing links, both domestically as well as along the Asian Highways, Trans-Asian Railways and Dry Ports. Investing in robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors, which brings us to yet another crucial area.
Diversifying economies and embracing digital technologies
LLDCs need to create more diversified and resilient economies while embracing technological advancements. Diversifying LLDC economies will help mitigate the risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and market uncertainties and provide a more stable path for equitable growth and development. Every chance to connect with regional and worldwide value chains should be explored to overcome the challenges posed by limited domestic markets. LLDCs should also explore new technologies that allow local enterprises to sell into global markets. More involvement in online businesses, digital services, and helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs are important too. We have witnessed it time and again - by bridging digital and connectivity gaps, LLDCs can effectively improve productivity and competitiveness on the global stage.
Building sustainable and climate-resilient economies
As a result of their location and greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, Euro-Asia's LLDCs continue to be disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. At the same time, their capacity to adapt to climate change is constrained by limited resources and productive capacities, weak infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Addressing these limitations through sustainable development strategies, technology transfer and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure can enhance resilience against climate shocks. Simply put – preparedness, capacity to respond, climate-resilient roads, bridges, and disaster-resistant buildings can minimize the impact of extreme weather events, by reducing disruptions to trade and economic activities.
Another crucial avenue for LLDCs lies in prioritizing clean energy. In South and Southeast Asian LLDCs, hydropower development emerges as a pivotal opportunity for generating clean energy and fostering regional cooperation. Notably, countries like Laos, Bhutan, and Nepal possess abundant rivers, translating into significant hydropower potential. This potential not only shapes their economic growth but also positions them as exporters of clean energy. Additionally, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to have an enhanced voice in global climate negotiations and discussions, for their needs and priorities to be incorporated into the global climate discourse.
Financial Support and capacity building
Given the heightened dependence of Euro-Asia's LLDCs on external finance both to address their macroeconomic challenges and to finance their development needs, they are highly reliant on developments in the global economy, including the international financial markets and the aid architecture. LLDCs often face limitations in terms of mobilising the financial resources necessary to support their development needs. During the current poly-crisis, these financing needs have widened further, with many LLDCs carrying growing debt burdens, which impede their development efforts.
The next Programme of Action needs to focus urgently on the debt issue in a comprehensive manner. Adequate financial support from various sources, including domestic revenues, international aid, and multilateral institutions, will be essential to bridge funding gaps and enable critical development projects. Development partners, International Financial Institutions, Regional Development Banks, multilateral institutions, and the private sector should prioritize targeted assistance in financing for development and long-term solution to debt. , This is indispensable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of LLDCs.
Ultimately, Euro-Asia's LLDCs cannot do it alone.
Forging the widest possible coalition of multi-stakeholder partnerships among LLDCs and transit countries as well as development partners and the private sector, is now more critical than ever as we embark on a new decade of action for LLDCs. The global community must stand together to support these countries, fostering an environment of growth, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. Only through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the LLDCs can overcome their challenges and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for their people.
With the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs on the horizon, the regional review meeting in Bangkok this week presents a unique opportunity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs to rally global support and forge partnerships for transformative change. The meeting will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, innovative ideas, collective aspirations, exchange of best practices and experiences among LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners, as leaders and policymakers strive to unlock the immense potential of LLDCs in Asia and Europe.
Together, we can create pathways to prosperity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs and ensure that they are not left behind in our shared journey toward sustainable development.
Rabab Fatima is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
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Press Release
10 August 2023
Government of Lao PDR commits to sustainable food systems transformation at Rome Summit
Rome, 28 July 2023: The UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2), held between 24-26 July 2023 in Rome, was hosted by Italy, in collaboration with the Rome-based UN Agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP), the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the wider UN system.
The UNFSS+2 provided an opportunity to connect with powerful actors and agencies to accelerate sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems at greater scale for people, planet and prosperity, with a commitment to leave no-one behind.
In cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry which serves as the National Convener for the Food Systems in Lao PDR, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) led the Lao Delegation which included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Finance (MOF) and representatives from the FAO Lao Country Office. This UN FSS is also a platform to share successful food system transformations and best-case scenarios, while addressing challenges and gaps that may hinder effective implementation.
The Lao Delegation, led by Madam Sisomboun Ounavong, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation at the MPI, and Dr. Phommy Inthichack, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation at the MAF and National Convenor, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement and a holistic, government-wide approach to translate national pathways into tangible actions.
The Lao Delegation appreciates the opportunity to participate in the UNFSS+2, as it provides valuable insights from other countries. These insights will inform the development of the Lao National Plan of Actions on Food Systems Transformation, which is supported by the Rome-based UN Agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP) and the wider UN system under the supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office.
The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance at an international event such as the UNFSS+2 demonstrates a clear strategic vision for not only the future of the agriculture sector but other sectors in Lao PDR which is a crucial step towards transforming food systems to enable better production, nutrition, and environmental outcomes for the people of Lao PDR and beyond.
Throughout the three-day event, a variety of informative side events were held by different representatives on a range of topics related to food and agriculture. These events provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on specific issues. Among the events were "Agrifood Transformation for the SDGs: Innovations and SMEs as Gamechangers," which focused on how innovations and small and medium-sized enterprises can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Another event, "National Pathways: Spotlight on Nutrition, Gender, and Food System Policy Actions," highlighted the importance of addressing nutrition, gender, and policy in food system transformations. Attendees had the chance to participate in these and other events, gaining valuable insights and perspectives on key issues in the field.
For more information, please contact:
Bounmee Maokhamphiou, FAO, Outreach Specialist - Bounmee.Maokhamphiou[at]fao.org
Vilaylack Khounvisith, FAO, National Communication Consultant - Vilaylack.Khounvisith[at]fao.org
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Press Release
20 July 2023
There is a proven path to end AIDS … are we on it?
As countries respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a renewed focus to end AIDS couldn’t be more urgent. Here’s the question – how can we do it better, faster and more sustainably?
The recently released UNAIDS Global AIDS Update Report shows that there is a path that ends AIDS and ensures preparedness to address future pandemic challenges and advance progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.
The data and examples set out in the global report make it very clear what that path is. It is not a mystery. It is a political and financial choice. HIV responses succeed when they are anchored in strong political leadership to follow the evidence; tackle the inequalities holding back progress; enable communities and civil society organizations in their vital role in the response; and ensure sufficient and sustainable financing.
Several countries are already on track. Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe have already achieved the 95–95–95 targets. This means 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their status, 95% of PLHIV who knew their status received treatment, and 95% of PLHIV receiving treatment have viral suppression. At least 16 other countries are close to doing so.
Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has reached 76-77-97, a significant progress we have noticed over a decade of effort between the government, bilateral and multilateral partners, civil society organizations, communities of PLHIV and key populations and other development partners across multiple sectors and levels. With its 10-year National Strategic Plan (2021-2030) and joining the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination, Lao PDR has made solid progress last year in reducing new HIV infections by 6% since 2010. This effort reflects the political commitment, evidence-based response and the community engagement of Lao PDR.
Governments can do – and many are already doing – more to end AIDS. Progress has been strongest in the countries and regions that have the most financial investments, such as in eastern and southern Africa. And a more inclusive approach to legal and policy frameworks is a key here as well. When we decriminalize same-sex sexual relations, we increase participatory engagement and amplify marginalized voices. And that’s when we ensure equal and equitable access to HIV prevention.
The good news is – in 2022, the Lao government invested USD 4.06 million in HIV response and in which 45% came from the domestic sources, commendable increase from USD 2.54 million HIV expenditure with only 7% contribution from domestic sources in 2021.
These examples of putting people and communities first demonstrate how together we can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. As the report sets out, however, none of this will come automatically. Whilst access to HIV treatment has helped save 20.8 million lives, these life-saving advances are still being denied to millions of people who urgently need them.
Globally, AIDS claimed a life every minute in 2022. There were 1.3 million new HIV infections, and 9.2 million people are still missing out on treatment, including 43% of children living with HIV. Ongoing social and economic inequalities within countries and between them are exacerbating and prolonging pandemics and amplifying their impact on the poorest and the most vulnerable.
In Lao PDR, only 62% of children living with HIV are on treatment. About half of pregnant women living with HIV in Lao PDR did not access prevention of mother-to-child treatment services last year resulting in 30% of HIV transmission rate from mothers to children. It is estimated that at least one young adult becomes infected with HIV every day. 72% of total new HIV infections are among key populations (female entertainment workers, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender women, people who use and inject drugs) and their sexual partners. Increasing proportion of new HIV infections are among men and boys; they accounted for 68% all new HIV infections in 2022.
The facts and figures are telling us that we have a monumental task to do. We know the steps that need to be taken, and we need to act now.
Yet, around the world, punitive laws and policies, human rights violations and discrimination continue to greatly increase the risk of HIV transmission and sabotage efforts to control the epidemic among key populations. Repressive policing of sex workers almost doubled their risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infection, and there is compelling evidence linking policing practices with increased risk of acquiring HIV. And when civil society organizations faced barriers to operating HIV preventions, the prevalence was more than nine times higher than in countries without such obstacles.
The obstacles in the way of progress can’t be navigated just by avoidance. We must overcome them head-on. The path that ends AIDS requires collaboration – South and North, governments and communities, UN and member states together. And it requires bold leadership. The route map in UNAIDS new report shows how success is possible in this decade – if we move together and with urgency.
There is a long road ahead in our collective fight to end AIDS, and we remain walking on this path with the Lao government and its partners in the HIV response, not just to be AIDS-free by 2030 but also to sustain the response and to build quality healthcare inclusive for everyone now and in the future.
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