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Speech
05 September 2024
Remarks at School Meals Coalition Signing Ceremony
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Press Release
28 August 2024
Government-UN joint mission to Bokeo
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Press Release
23 August 2024
Workshop Held to Strengthen an Enabling Environment for Infrastructure Asset Management in Lao PDR
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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.
Publication
28 March 2024
UN Country Annual Results Report 2023
The 2023 Annual Results Report provides a comprehensive overview of the UN development support to the national priorities during the second year of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-26). Bringing together the work of 25 UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes under four Strategic Outcomes, the report highlights the collective work of the UN in Lao PDR in response to key development challenges in 2023. Human interest stories, reflections on how we worked together and priorities for the future are also featured in the report.
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Publication
01 April 2024
2023 Common Country Analysis Update
The Common Country Analysis (CCA) is a reflection of evolving country contexts that identifies key development challenges. The CCA is an essential tool used by the UN country team (UNCT) to ensure appropriate and focused programming that tackles the right issues in the right ways. The UNCT is implementing the Lao PDR-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 (UNSDCF) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its programming, and the regular update of the CCA is a crucial part of this effort.The UNSDCF, jointly designed by the Government of Lao PDR and 25 UN agencies, funds, and programmes, aligns with national development priorities and builds on the CCA's findings. To ensure that the UN programming remains relevant and up-to-date, the CCA is reviewed annually, and the first update was released in December 2022. The update reflects new developments and highlights emerging challenges that require changes to UN programming using a simple color-coding. The CCA update was prepared by the Programme Oversight Group and endorsed by the UNCT and the Lao PDR Government.
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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
10 July 2024
A handful of rice fields high hopes
“Building Climate-Resilient and Eco-friendly Agriculture Systems and Livelihoods” (Climate REAL) is a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of KOICA’s Integrated Programme for Climate Resilience and Empowerment in Attapeu Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.Five beneficiaries share the positive changes experienced from participating in the project.As the newly harvested rice is being processed in the rice sorter, Khammoun Heuangsouvantha remarks on the noticeable change in the quality and quantity of the rice he can produce. The 58-year-old has been farming rice all his life – starting at a young age helping his parents in the fields – but this is the first season that he has seen such good yields. For decades, Khammoun had only experienced low yields, and providing for his family of six had become increasingly more difficult. Crop production was affected by multiple factors including threats imposed by climate change, natural disasters, pests and diseases. Farmers in the community had few resources or strategies to respond to these problems and relied on traditional practices. “With all the effort I put in, I only ever got low output. If I put in less effort, I got even lower yields.” February 2023 was the start of a new venture for Khammoun. Because of his passion for rice farming and enthusiasm for new knowledge and skills to improve crop production, he was nominated by local government authorities to participate in the Climate REAL project activities. Initial engagement with the project included weekly trainings of season-long Farmer Field School on rice seed production and study visits to well-established and successful farmers in Savannakhet and Champasak Provinces. Khammoun learned quickly and was able to remember by heart the ingredients and proportions of botanical pesticides from locally available materials and specific techniques for rice planting procedures as well as pest and disease management. He could also provide the rationale behind the techniques. “I admit that I did not know about which fertilizer was for rice crops, the role of fertilizer for rice at each growth stage, which formula to use when and by how much in relation to the rice growth stage and size of paddy field until I joined the project. Now, I know that each formula contains different nutrient needs for rice crop development at each growth stage. Through learning by doing, l also learned that the level of fertilizer application depends on the rice growth stage and size of the rice field as well as soil fertility.”From joining the project, Khammoun now knows how to deal with, prevent and manage rice insects and disease such as planthoppers and seed-borne disease. He also fully recognizes how much the proper application of fertilizer contributes to the rice yield.One of the most significant lessons was the importance of seed selection to improve the quality of the yields. Techniques on seed selection need to be performed every rice planting season to reduce any potential seed-borne diseases, which can cause severe problems in the rice cultivation process. Within a few months, Khammoun was able to put his learning into practice with good results. He received 9kg of RD2 rice seeds from the project to produce RD3 rice seeds in the rainy/rice-growing season from June to November 2023 and decided to conduct an experiment. He would compare the results of using traditional practices and project intervention techniques with the rice seeds given by the project against his own. He applied what he had learned in the Farmer Field School on RD3 rice seed production, and used traditional practices as a control field. He observed a big difference between the two. He was delighted to report that rice grown with techniques and quality seeds introduced by the project produced bigger and greener leaves and plumper rice ears.Not only was the quality better, but the project intervention techniques also resulted in greater volume. The 9kg of RD2 rice seeds from a reliable source produced 480 kg of RD3 rice seeds which, at LAK 12 000 per kilo, could sell for approximately LAK 6 million. Conversely, his own traditional rice variety and technique yielded lower outputs and could only fetch a price of LAK 7 000 per kilo. This is the first time that Khammoun has been involved with projects such as Climate REAL and, while initial investments were high, the results have been amazing. He and others in farmer groups in the area are grateful to the project for investing in the rice sorting machine, which reduces the cost of processing the quality rice seed with potential market access. This initial investment gave direct beneficiaries the confidence to financially engage with project activities and also showed the potential for their own investment in the future. Because of his great results, Khammoun has been invited to join many workshops, meetings and events. He has gone on to share his knowledge with his family and the wider community, including local farmers who have not yet participated in the project directly and with other target districts of the project.Hopes are high for the rice farming communities of Attapeu Province. Apart from planning and preparing for the next rice growing season, Khammoun has also started to make plans for his grandson’s future. He personally believes that there is no end to the learning and enrichment and that local farmers can benefit from continued support. It is hoped that in the next 5 to 10 years, villagers will be able to produce enough rice not only for their own families but also for sale. The potential to start a small agribusiness and gradually improve living conditions would be within reach.
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Story
02 July 2024
A garden of hope and prosperity
“Building Climate-Resilient and Eco-friendly Agriculture Systems and Livelihoods” (Climate REAL) is a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of KOICA’s Integrated Programme for Climate Resilience and Empowerment in Attapeu Province, Lao PDR.Five beneficiaries share the positive changes experienced from participating in the project.Securing a better future for his children is what inspires Mr. La Xayyavieng to work hard and continue to find ways to earn a stable income from the land. For the 46-year-old father of three, his great passion is clear in his determination for his children to gain knowledge and experience abroad to bring back to the family land. “Deep in my heart, I have always known that agriculture is the lifeline for us to survive and to grow. Even though the family has experienced hardship, I have been determined to send two of my kids to Vietnam to learn agricultural know-how and best practices. Upon their return, I expected big improvements to my land.” However, it is Mr. La himself who is already creating change. After being selected under the Climate REAL project as one of the beneficiaries from Phok Village, Saysettha District, Mr. La has transformed his agricultural practices and has been able to increase his income by 160% in just one season.For years, Mr. La’s total income was less than LAK 30 million per year – barely enough to satisfy the basic needs of the family. Lack of access to alternative technologies and knowledge limited Mr. La to traditional practices, with the main sources of income coming from rain-fed rice farming and planting vegetables during the dry season. This meant that making a living during the rainy season was difficult. Growing vegetables was not an option at all as the vegetables would rot and the crop would be destroyed. Through project interventions, successful vegetable farming in both the rainy season and dry season is now a reality. It was during learning and knowledge exchange visits to Savannakhet and Champasak Provinces, that Mr. La realized what the future could hold. “I knew from the bottom of my heart that greenhouses would work for me as soon as I saw them and understood what they were,” he explained. For the greenhouse to be a success, Mr. La would further develop his skills through Farmer Field School training and would receive agricultural inputs to get started. A key part of the skills development was Agribusiness Training, which provided Mr. La with essential knowledge on understanding market needs, business operations and analysis. From the first rainy season crop, Mr. La reported that he was able to earn nearly as much in just four months as he would previously earn in a whole year.In addition to the vegetable seeds for the rainy season, the Climate REAL project also supplied watermelon, cucumber and corn seeds for Mr. La to experiment with during the dry season. These proved to be a huge success, with Mr. La seeing a return-on-investment of up to 900% for watermelon. The solar-powered small-scale irrigation system has been a key factor in increased profits as Mr. La does not have to cover the cost of electricity to irrigate. “Only 75 days of work and I earned a income of LAK 38.5 million from selling watermelon and LAK 2.65 million from selling cucumber. Where else I could earn such money from what I am passionate about?”The Climate REAL project has identified Mr. La as a model farmer as he builds his skills and knowledge from this project in addition to others conducted in the district prior to Climate REAL interventions. Farmers in Phok Village – especially members of Mr. La’s production group – are already seeking his advice for the coming planting seasons. The plan is to grow tomatoes, spring onion, lettuce and coriander, as the demand and prices are high.To pave the way for his children, Mr. La has also already started to transfer his knowledge and know-how to his youngest son, who is now 17 years old and studying at secondary school in the district. For Mr. La, the future is looking brighter.
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Story
28 June 2024
Lessons and value of joint planning in Lao PDR
As is the case in so many parts of the world, Lao PDR is highly exposed to rapidly increasing climate and disaster risks. These risks have enormous and varied implications, including frequent floods threatening 39.7% of the population1, and droughts disrupting livelihoods of more than 50% of workers in the agricultural sector2. But the availability of sufficiently detailed climate risk vulnerability data covering all 18 provinces and 148 districts remains a major challenge, substantially limiting ability to plan and prepare.In response to this clear and pressing need, in 2024 six UN agencies working in Lao PDR prioritised plans for climate risk vulnerability assessments (CRVAs) to help close this data gap.So far, so familiar.However, what is different about 2024 is that under the new generation Cooperation Framework, increasingly integrated joint workplanning processes have been put in place and are starting to drive changes in how the UN plans as system, rather than only as separate entities.And it was during this joint planning, in particular the discussions in the Results Group on “Environment, Climate Change and Resilience” (co-chaired by FAO and UNEP), that the connections between the different initiatives planned first became apparent across agencies.And with this early identification of plans, came the ability to take early action to coordinate.Crucially, identifying this common priority at this stage- before any of the work actually started- enabled agencies involved to better coordinate their assessments for greater overall coherence and efficiency, while reducing the burden on key Government counterparts.Whilst there were similarities between the different initiatives, each of the planned CRVA’s was distinct, prioritising different issues in line with agencies’ respective mandates (e.g., risks to different sectors, or segments of the population). By recognising this, we could set about working to minimize overlaps and maximise the novel contribution of each to improve the quality and quantity of information available to decision makers.Following a discussion on this initially within the UN Country Team, and later including Government counterparts during a Joint Steering Committee meeting, the discussion related to CRVAs has now shifted to technical level.Relevant agencies’ focal points are exploring ways to harmonise data collected from the different studies, and to empower the Government as the coordinating owner of data generated. Different options for a shared public-facing CRVA data platform are being explored, and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Group (MELG) is engaging on how the data can be most effectively shared and used.So what can we learn from this?Joint workplanning exercises can often be met with a degree of scepticism about whether the time investment is really worth it, beyond the detailed planning that individual entities already do.But without this joint workplanning process, each agency would not have been aware of potential connections between their CRVA plans, and we could have been left with -at best- an after-the-fact attempt to reconcile and integrate conclusions.Instead, we are seeing increasing evidence of how these substantive annual discussions and joint prioritisation exercises can increase coherence and overall impact of programmes, reduce the burden on key Government institutions through more concentrated and effective partnerships.But we also believe that we can go further.While the 2024 joint work planning process helped identify common priorities around which collaboration is being strengthened, agencies’ projects and programmes for the year were largely agreed upon already internally to each agency, and with respective donors, when joint workplan discussions took place, limiting the scope for in-depth revisions of agencies’ plans.Tackling the next frontier, the UNCT in Lao PDR is now considering revising its annual planning cycle. While individual agency planning is currently undertaken prior to country-level JWPs, the new vision for the UNCT planning cycle in Lao PDR would include initiating joint workplanning earlier so to take place in parallel with and informing agencies’ respective planning processes. This proposal will be discussed in detail at a UNCT retreat later this year.Through the reformed approaches to UN programming under the Cooperation Framework, we are already seeing how systems are being put in place to identify, discuss, and act on information as a UN country team much faster.But as the reform beds in, there is so much more we can do.
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Story
25 June 2024
‘New Day’: Visiting a Pathbreaking Coffee Cooperative in Rural Lao PDR
Those who know me will know how much I love coffee. I love everything about it – the smell, the anticipation of a good cuppa, the discovery of charming cafes, the conversations that flow. Perhaps no one was happier than me when the coffee cooperative Vanmai opened a cart in UN House, significantly improving the mood of weekday mornings…and afternoons! So, when I got the opportunity to take a field trip to Houaphanh, I made sure to arrange a visit to the Vanmai cooperative, an alternative development project supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It was the first visit for the UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov together with Director General Daovy Vongxay of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the province. What sets Vanmai — meaning New Day in Lao — apart from other coffee cooperatives is that the farmers had previously grown opium or live in areas at risk of such illicit cultivation. The transition from opium to coffee is a story of perseverance and passion. It took eight years, numerous trainings and persistent advocacy to convince 800 households to convert to growing coffee. Like opium, growing coffee is hard work. Unlike opium, thanks in part to UNODC, coffee is proving to be more lucrative and more sustainable for farmers and the wider community.While Lao PDR is not traditionally a coffee-drinking culture, anecdotal evidence suggests that domestic coffee consumption is increasing. In 2023, Vanmai won a national award for the best washed arabica coffee in Laos. Vanmai is also sold internationally — a well-known French coffee company is a long-term buyer of Vanmai, bringing Lao coffee and its story into homes in France and abroad.Our field visit in Houaphanh started with meeting the UNODC project team at the office in the main city. We did an aroma test to identify the aroma notes of the coffee – that coffee lovers claim are more than wine! From there, we drove to the nearest plantation, which was 45 minutes from the main road and navigable only in a 4X4. We were shown around the village and coffee plantation by an agriculture extension worker — a young woman who teaches farming techniques. In the village, we visited the nursery, where each plant is looked after diligently for eight months before it is transferred to the plantation. At the plantation, we plucked what looked like red cherries, and inside discovered the coffee beans. I was struck by the sustainability of the process — the red covering is separated and is used to make fertilizer or cascara tea. The coffee plantations require tall shade trees that bind the soil together, thereby preventing erosion and promoting reforestation. New plants can grow on the same soil, unlike crops grown here before, which required shifting cultivation. Next, we went to the village to see the coffee processing. There, the red cherries were washed and separated by machine. The coffee beans were then put into a large bucket of water to ferment for 24 hours. Next, the beans would be laid out to dry and then sorted. In the beginning it takes some three years for a coffee tree to grow, to go from seed to coffee bean ready to roast. “At first, we didn’t believe the UNODC team when they explained why we should grow coffee. Now, we are envied by those who did not join our cooperative,” said one farmer, smiling as he accepted the token of appreciation that we gave him. Back in UN House, I showed the Vanmai coffee barista photos from our trip. He is from Houaphanh. Now, in addition to my perfect latte hon from the cart, I also get a warm smile, which makes the start of my day even better. 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 Resident Coordinator to visit the UNODC project. Read more: UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific
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Story
31 May 2024
Azerbaijan and Lao PDR: ‘Twins’ in pursuit of the SDGs
This is true for the UN development system that is working to support progress towards the 2030 Agenda, and it is true for the Member States that designed and signed up to it. And when we are falling so far behind, with Asia-Pacific collectively heading for a 32-year delay according to the latest estimates from ESCAP, that search for ideas needs to go beyond the most obvious places.Amongst the many efforts to analyze sustainable development progress, bottlenecks, and their solutions, perhaps the most extensive at the country level are the Voluntary National Reviews that countries can opt to develop and present to the High-Level Political Forum annually. These extensive, and collective, exercises speak to the universality of the SDGs and take a deep look at how close we are to reaching our 2030 targets, and shape ideas and policies that can help us to get there faster. This year, Azerbaijan and Lao PDR are both undertaking such reviews.At first glance, Azerbaijan, an upper-middle income country spanning Europe and Asia, would seem to have little in common with Lao PDR, a country working towards graduation from Least Developed Country status in the heart of tropical Southeast Asia.But look closer, and many more areas of common interest begin to emerge.Both have strong track records of commitment to the SDGs- Azerbaijan is preparing its fourth Voluntary National Review and Lao PDR its third. Both have worked hard to integrate the SDGs into national frameworks and policies. And both have encountered major obstacles to their pursuit of sustainable development for all.Perhaps most prominently, both have developed a bespoke SDG18. For Lao PDR, SDG18 aspires to ‘Lives safe from unexploded ordnance’. For Azerbaijan, SDG18 covers ‘Actions to combat mine threats’. In both cases, removing the threats from landmines and explosive remnants of war is considered essential for progress across the SDGs, despite this not being a clear element of the global 2030 Agenda.It is precisely the combination of these similarities and differences that set the context for a successful ‘twinning’ exchange between the two countries organized under a flagship ESCAP initiative to support Voluntary National Review processes.Arranged by ESCAP with support from UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices, UNDP, and UNICEF, the series of virtual and in-person exchanges between the two countries shared concrete ideas and experiences on how the SDGs can be pursued in a broad range of areas.This included sharing pragmatic experiences on how SDG policies and indicators can be prioritized, which is particularly valuable in the context of ongoing work to develop the next cycle of the National Social Economic Development Plan for Lao PDR.The ‘twins’ were able to compare notes on how national institutions and structures can be organized to integrate and promote the achievement of the SDGs, such as through the establishment of national committees, and clearly linking policy discussions to financial resources.And lessons were shared on how different groups of stakeholders can be effectively and substantively engaged in national processes for the delivery of the 2030 Agenda- in particular how young people and volunteers can be engaged as a demographic that is so critical to the future development prospects of both countries. This is already leading to new and promising areas of partnership. At the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July, a joint side event will be organized focused on the respective SDG 18s, working together to raise the profile of this critical development challenge for achievement across the SDGs for both countries.Discussions have also started on possible collaboration on issues related to climate change, and in particular climate finance in the lead up to Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 later this year.Exchanges are continuing on how Azerbaijan’s successful experiences in the digital delivery of public services could be shared with counterparts in Lao PDR as it embarks on its Digital Government Masterplan.And building on this success, plans are afoot to continue the exchange, next time in Vientiane.We are collectively badly off-track from our vision for 2030, and in urgent need of actions to change the trajectory. But, as the experiences of Azerbaijan and Lao PDR show, precisely because that vision is so universal, there is a world of ideas and inspiration out there that countries can draw on. It’s our job to help build that bridge.
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Press Release
28 August 2024
Government-UN joint mission to Bokeo
The first ever Government-UN joint mission visited UN-supported projects and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In his remarks to the Governor, Thongchanh Manixay, Mr. Burkhanov explained, “The purpose of the joint visit is to better understand the development situation on the ground – the challenges and the needs – so that we can improve our programmes and tailor support”. Mr. Burkhanov congratulated the Governor for the strong statements made recently to take decisive action to disrupt and dismantle the illicit call centres and other illegal operations conducted in the SEZ, and welcomed his views on priority actions that the UN can support. He also requested the Governor’s leadership and support for a number of UN-supported programmes, including initiatives to bring children back to school, addressing gender-based violence, and facilitating the 2025 Population and Housing Census. Stating that Bokeo province has high poverty rates, Mr. Manixay requested for support to improve agricultural outcomes and transport connectivity in the province. Ms. Kyung-mee Kim, Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), expressed her interest in understanding the status of agriculture investment from the private sector, opportunities for agriculture value chains, climate-smart agriculture and rural development. The delegation visited the Women’s Centre for Counselling and Protection, run by the Lao Women’s Union and operational since 2023. Supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), it has accommodated 46 survivors and those at risk of violence. Ms. Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said, “I am pleased to see that this center is providing essential health, residential, legal, and protection services to victims of trafficking and survivors of violence which are crucial for mobile population living in high-risk areas with vulnerabilities in Bokeo. IOM looks forward to working with the center in promoting protection and access to direct services.” The delegation visited farmers in DoiDaeng village in Tonphueng district. Under a Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UN Development Programme (UNDP), the farmers are shifting to grow organic vegetables and learning new techniques for climate-proofing their produce. Mr. Dao Xuan Lai, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative explained, “We are very pleased that this local sustainable agriculture initiative has strengthened the partnership between the farmers and the neighbouring markets and restaurants, who buy their produce, thereby providing a source of sustainable income to the community. UNDP will be scaling up this model and implementing in various provinces, including Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Ventiane Capital, and Xiengkhouang”. Emphasizing the importance of climate resilience, Mr. Avi Sarkar, Regional Manager of UN-HABITAT said: “Timely weather information is also important for farmers and local communities to understand how to prepare and respond to climate shocks – UN-HABITAT will be working with the Provincial Government to set up hydromet stations, evacuation centres and other resilient infrastructure”. Meeting with the SEZ Management, the Labour Management Unit, the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor and the Border Management Force, Mr. Burkhanov said, “Inter-governmental coordination is crucial to address trafficking and cross-border crime, and the UN agencies and international community can work together with you to identify emerging trends and strengthen data systems for viable solutions”. The delegation also visited the international check-point in the SEZ. The high-level visit concluded with a visit to the Thongthip temple, where they marveled at the recently excavated Buddha statues. Eight UN agencies have ongoing programmes or initiatives in Bokeo province. They cover a range of development needs that include improving outcomes in education, nutrition, and health; tackling gender-based violence; and building resilience of agriculture and infrastructure to climate shocks. The UN is also committed to work with Lao authorities on border security and crime, particularly in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.
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Press Release
26 August 2024
Workshop Held to Strengthen an Enabling Environment for Infrastructure Asset Management in Lao PDR
The event, taking place in the town of Vang Vieng from 19 to 21 August, brought together over 40 key representatives from the Ministry of Finance, other line ministries, UN agencies, and infrastructure experts to discuss and develop strategies for strengthening infrastructure asset management in Lao PDR. The workshop is part of a broader global initiative led by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to enhance the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of infrastructure assets in developing countries, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. Lao PDR is one of the six pilot countries selected globally. UNOPS has been working closely with the Lao Ministry of Finance to conduct an EE IAM Gap Assessment since November 2023. This assessment involved high-level stakeholder engagement consultations and data analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for the formulation of an evidence-based roadmap. The workshop built on the findings of the gap assessment, inviting key stakeholders to discuss, validate and prioritize national challenges, proposing strategic solutions and action plans that will effectively improve IAM in Lao PDR. In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Bounpone Vannachit, Vice Minister of Finance of Lao PDR, said, “Enhancing an enabling environment for infrastructure asset management in Lao PDR is a critical element of the country's development strategy. High-quality and resilient infrastructure opens the door to better education, job opportunities, economic growth, and improved well-being, while reducing disparities and fostering a more prosperous society.”.“UNOPS, as the UN agency with a mandated expertise in infrastructure, aims to help partners plan, deliver, and manage infrastructure more effectively,” said Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager for Lao PDR. “Together, we can transform our approach to infrastructure asset management and propel Lao PDR towards a more resilient tomorrow.”In his remarks, Mr. Luis Pineda, representing UN DESA, highlighted the critical connection between resilient infrastructure and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated “Resilient infrastructure is linked to over 90% of all SDGs and their targets. We know that about half of the targets are moderately or severely off track. Over a third of the targets are stagnant or have even regressed. We must dramatically strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and accessibility of our current and future assets through an effective enabling environment in support of turbocharging the SDGs. UN DESA is proud to partner with the Ministry of Finance of Lao PDR, UNOPS, and UNCDF in supporting national and local governments in their infrastructure lifecycle approach to managing public infrastructure assets. “The workshops also featured a UNOPS presentation on the concept and best practices of IAM, the Capacity Assessment Tool for Infrastructure Asset Management (CAT-IAM) followed by group discussions on the infrastructure lifecycle’s priority areas for effective infrastructure asset management practices at the national and local government levels. Inputs received from the workshop will inform the development of a strategic evidence-based roadmap to enhance the national enabling environment for Infrastructure Asset Management in Lao PDR. Press contact details, Please contact:Ms. Zekun Shi, Communications Officer, UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Email: zekuns@unops.org
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Press Release
19 August 2024
ASEAN Leaders Call for Increased Investment in Care Economy to Empower Women and Boost Inclusive Growth and Development
A new UN Women data snapshot titled Women’s Economic Empowerment and the Care Economy in ASEAN, released before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Women Leaders’ Summit in Vientiane on 23 August, supports the adoption of the new ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Resilience Towards ASEAN Community Post-2025. The data snapshot shows that women’s participation in the region’s labour force is systematically lower than men’s partly due to women’s unequal share of care responsibilities in households. In addition, many of the paid caregiving jobs held by women are in the informal economy in which workers are especially vulnerable. The data snapshot points to the structural barriers to gender equality in the world of work and calls for transforming care systems to increase opportunities for women and girls to fully participate in economies and societies. The data snapshot says that expanding care services, such as kindergartens, and enhancing care-supporting workplaces through parental leave can ease the time constraints on women and girls with care responsibilities. Improving the status of women workers in the care economy requires expanding social protections and improving labour conditions, including wages, equal opportunities, and freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence.The snapshot says that to uphold the promise to leave no one behind, efforts to transform care systems need to include vulnerable groups such as girls, single women with children, and women in old age. “Gender data shows that one of the biggest obstacles to women’s economic empowerment is the unequal burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women,” said Christine Arab, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific. “By addressing structural barriers and improving working conditions and compensation through gender-transformative policies and programmes, we can create an environment that offers equal opportunities, empowers women, and promotes economic rights for everyone in ASEAN.” For further information please contact:Montira Narkvichien, Regional Communications Specialist, UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific: montira.narkvichien@unwomen.org
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Press Release
01 August 2024
First Social Protection Symposium kicks off a new era for Lao People's Democratic Republic in protecting its poor and vulnerable
VIENTIANE, Lao People's Democratic Republic, (ILO News) – The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW) of Lao People's Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted the first-ever National Symposium on Social Protection, addressing the complex challenges faced by the large rural population and informal workforce. With financial support from the European Union and the Government of China, this inaugural Symposium took place at the International Convention and Training Centre on 31 July 2024, bringing together more than 250 participants.Speaking at the opening, H.E. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Vice Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic said, "As our country battles the economic recovery post-COVID, it is paramount that we strengthen our commitment to social protection. This event is crucial to advancing our strategy to stabilize our agrarian economy and protect vulnerable groups from the disparities of informal employment. It is our priority to ensure that no Lao citizen is left behind, especially during crises and hardships."Themed “Protecting Informal Workers and Rural Dwellers under the National Social Protection Strategy”, the Symposium featured dynamic discussions among policymakers, implementers, and development partners. Panel discussions, role plays, and a compelling documentary provided firsthand insights into how citizens can benefit from social protection and their expectations from the government. Exhibitions highlighted the latest policy issues and developments, enriching dialogue and understanding.Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao People's Democratic Republic stated, “Investing in social protection can help to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Agenda. Social protection contributes to several SDG Targets, such as 1.3 (social protection), 3.8 (universal health coverage), 8.5 (decent work), and 10.4 (policies for greater equality). Initiatives like the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2021, signal the UN system’s collective response to strengthen progress towards the SDGs, by creating decent jobs and extending social protection.”Despite its significance, social protection financing in Lao People's Democratic Republic remains one of the lowest in the ASEAN region, accounting for only 1.6 per cent of GDP. This underfunding particularly impacts the National Health Insurance scheme, which faces a deficit and risks sustainability without increased budgetary allocations. “One of the Symposium’s objectives is to increase the importance of social protection in policymaking and budgetary decision-making processes. Shifting from external funding to domestic financing is essential for the effective implementation of the Strategy”, said Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Lao People's Democratic Republic. "The Symposium represents a strong collaboration between the ILO, international development partners, and the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic, and we are delighted to be part of it. It serves as a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing social protection, which can sustainably improve the lives of Lao workers and their families", Qian added.Lao People's Democratic Republic, a predominantly agrarian nation, heavily relies on informal employment with 86 per cent of the workforce engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. This sector, comprising approximately 1.4 million workers, faces low and irregular incomes, poor working conditions, and inadequate social protection.In April 2020, the Lao government adopted the National Social Protection Strategy, demonstrating the State’s commitment to gradually reducing poverty and promoting equitable socio-economic development. Under the three pillars of Health Insurance, Social Security and Social Welfare, the Strategy aims to ensure that by 2030, all Lao citizens have access to essential services under a “Leaving No One Behind” approach. For further information please contact:Ms. Bounta SypaseuthDivision Chief, Planning and International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Labour and Social WelfareTel.: +856 20 2200 1874Email: hbunta@yahoo.com Thongleck Xiong ILO’s National Programme Coordinator on Social ProtectionTel.: +856 20 9999 1173Email: thongleck@ilo.org
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Press Release
10 June 2024
In our memories of our centuries old tree
Since ancient times, strong and beautiful trees have been cherished across many cultures, and often regarded as sacred. There are many historic trees in Vientiane. This one guarded our compound. It had a small shrine where colleagues often went to pay their respects and ask for blessings. The tree was home to many species of birds and insects, and was a mini ecosystem of its own, providing generous shelter, protection and shade.Trees symbolize strength, hope, harmony and the cycle of life. In a fast-paced world that is too often divided, they remind us of the interconnectedness of everything.Trees have tremendous powers. They play a critical role in improving air quality and fighting climate change, cooling our cities, preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, improving soil and water conservation, supporting livelihoods, and benefiting our mental and physical health. The well-being of the people depends on all of this.While we are mourning the loss of our spirit tree, we are grateful that no one was hurt. It succumbed to the elements on a Sunday afternoon, when it was least likely to cause any harm to humans.The organizations of the UN House in Vientiane are assessing the material damage and liaising with the relevant authorities to find an appropriate home for the remains of the tree.We thank members of the public for the outpouring of support and well wishes expressed through social media. UN House organizations are committed to keeping the spirit of the mighty tree alive in keeping with local customs and traditions.
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08 May 2023
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