LAO PDR AND UN REAFFIRM PARTNERSHIP, UNVEIL 2024 DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

Co-chaired by Ms. Moukdavanh Sisoulith, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator, the first JSC meeting of 2025 gathered representatives from key ministries and UN agencies. Discussions focused on achievements and priorities for people’s wellbeing, inclusive prosperity, governance and rule of law, and environment, climate change and resilience – the four strategic priorities under the Cooperation Framework. 

2024 Annual Results Report Highlights

The 2024 Annual Results Report presents key trends in 2024 that impacted socio-economic development, national and international policies that supported action and on-the-ground efforts that accelerated progress. Human interest stories illustrate the impact of policies and programs, bringing development efforts to life—such as farmers adopting sustainable agriculture, teachers improving learning outcomes, and communities rebuilding after climate shocks. The UN Country Team delivered $86.7 million across all provinces, through projects that integrated policy engagement, technical expertise, and service delivery, ensuring no one is left behind in Lao PDR’s development.

The report cites progress made across sectors in spite of multi-dimensional challenges. Strides were made in tackling diseases like malaria and measles. Digital learning initiatives enhanced learning outcomes, especially for children in remote areas. The school meals program reached more schools and continued to be an important source of nutrition for families. More provinces in 2024 became open defecation-free through improved access to water and sanitation. Protection services for survivors of gender-based violence were expanded, as were counselling services for child protection.  Social protection schemes provided much needed support to the most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. Flood-affected families received UN-supported emergency aid. More hectares of UXO-contaminated land were cleared. 

In shaping national policies, the UN supported the Round Table Implementation process, Lao PDR’s Smooth Transition Strategy for LDC Graduation and the 3rd Voluntary National Review. A number of legal reforms, particularly on health and education were supported. Strategies were developed to support safe and orderly migration, food systems transformation, Early Warnings for All, biodiversity conservation and reducing plastics pollution. The report also highlights the UN’s support to Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, including the visit of the UN Secretary-General to attend the 14th ASEAN – UN Summit. 

Strategic Direction for 2025

Reflecting on emerging development trends and the Pact for the Future, the discussions focused on the need for more joint efforts, greater coherence and increasing efficiencies in 2025. UN agencies outlined their strategic priorities for 2025 as well as new areas of engagement including with youth, on digitalization, food systems transformation, green financing, climate mitigation and social protection.  

Director-General Moukdavanh Sisoulith emphasized the Joint Steering Committee’s role in steering the planning and implementation of the UN’s support to the NSEDP, LDC Graduation and other policy imperatives. 

UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov underscored the JSC as a key platform for strengthening UN-Government collaboration, stating: “Amidst all the challenges, the 2024 Annual Results Report highlights the progress that we have made together – the UN Country Team is committed to supporting the Government of Lao PDR  to accelerate progress towards sustainable development and to build a more resilient future for all.”

The 2024 Annual Results Report is available for download on the UN Lao PDR website.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Aksonethip Somvorachit, Programme Communications and Advocacy officer at: 

aksonethip.somvorachit@un.org