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.

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.     

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

  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.