Remarks at Policy Dialogue ahead of the 10th Regular Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly

• Excellencies, Honourable Vice-President of the National Assembly,
  Committee Chairs, Members of the National Assembly

• Distinguished representatives of the Government of Lao PDR

• Colleagues from the UN Country Team and development partners; 

• Esteemed guests:

Sabaidee ton sao, good morning!

It is a privilege to address you once again at this year’s policy dialogue — a testament to the enduring and trusted partnership between the National Assembly and the United Nations System in Lao PDR. I wish to express my appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly for convening this important forum ahead of the 10th Regular Session of the 9th Legislature.

This dialogue comes at a defining moment for Lao PDR. The forthcoming 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) will guide the country through a historic transition: graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026, and the final stretch toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It also coincides with significant governance reforms, including the implementation of constitutional amendments in 2025 and the elections of the National Assembly and the 18 Provincial People’s Assemblies in 2026.

The draft 10th NSEDP sets forth an ambitious vision — to build a self-sufficient, resilient, and green economy that leaves no one behind. Drawing on lessons from the 9th Plan, it prioritizes economic diversification and quality growth, human capital development and poverty reduction, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, digital transformation and governance reforms. These priorities are essential as Lao PDR accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and prepares for LDC graduation.

This policy dialogue, structured around the six outcomes of the 10th NSEDP, is critical in shaping the country’s development trajectory over the next five years. The decisions made today — and implemented in the years ahead — will determine the success of our development efforts, the realization of the demographic dividend, and our ability to prevent irreversible climate and environmental damage.

The 10th Plan is supported by two key companion documents: the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the Financing Strategy. The M&E Framework will strengthen results-based measurement, promote transparency, and improve access to information. A digital dashboard is being developed to monitor progress. Meanwhile, the Financing Strategy aims to ensure that the Plan’s priorities are adequately resourced. Preliminary estimates suggest a financing gap of between 8 to 11 billion US dollars. To address this, the Strategy seeks to mobilize a broader mix of financing — public and private, domestic and international.

Excellencies, the stakes are high. Last year in our policy dialogue in Vang Vieng, we discussed how the NSEDP should be concrete in its priorities, realistic through a quantum of targeted resources, and measurable in impact. Much effort has been given to this since last year through technical assistance and policy advice in planning, monitoring and financing frameworks. 

We have come a long way since then, but it is abundantly clear that the success of the 10th NSEDP will depend on harmonization of policy priorities and legislation, credible financing, and measurable indicators. Priorities must be aligned with available fiscal space, particularly in areas such as human capital, youth and climate resilience, where the gaps are most significant.

The National Assembly and the Provincial People’s Assemblies are at the heart of Lao PDR’s governance system. You serve as the vital link between citizens’ priorities and national decision-making. Through your legislative, budgetary, oversight and representative functions, you ensure that development plans reflect the aspirations of the people and are realistic, equitable and achievable.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to share four reflections that I believe will be further explored in the presentations over the next two days:

First, investing in human capital must remain a top priority. Education, health and social protection are not sunk costs — they are accelerators of development. They lay the foundation for a productive workforce, which in turn drives economic growth.

Second, a skilled workforce must have access to decent employment. Jobs must be available and fairly compensated to prevent the cycle of out-migration. Technical and vocational education and training must evolve with market demand. Graduates need stronger links to businesses and employers. Industries must innovate and find their competitive edge, while new enterprises and start-ups should be supported to grow.

Third, continued macroeconomic reforms are essential for stimulating quality growth. The Government can build on recent progress in revenue generation, public financial management, and debt management. As Official Development Assistance declines and LDC graduation approaches, the shift from funding to financing — from external grants to domestic resource mobilization — is both necessary and inevitable. Opportunities for sustainable and green financing are abundant, but often underutilized. All development finance must be invested in people, systems, capacities and resilience.

Fourth, technology offers immense potential — as an enabler, an accelerator, and a means to leapfrog traditional development pathways. Digital transformation is already reshaping industries and institutions. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and tourism, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. In the public sector, digital tools are improving data generation, accountability, and policy credibility. Just weeks ago, Lao PDR launched its first fully digital national population and housing census, a milestone in its digital journey.

Excellencies, the UN Country Team in Lao PDR is proud to stand beside the National Assembly in addressing these challenges and supporting high-quality policy advice. I would like to especially thank the UN Development Programme for its longstanding partnership with the National Assembly and its continued engagement in this dialogue. UNDP’s global experience in parliamentary strengthening can also support induction and professional development programmes tailored to the needs of Lao PDR’s Assemblies. We offer to hold regular exchanges, particularly after next year’s elections, to support new Members in fully engaging with the finalization, implementation, monitoring and financing of the NSEDP.

Honourable Members, your leadership and engagement will determine the success of this policy dialogue. Your insight and expertise – and your representation of constituents – can help scrutinize and shape the 10th NSEDP, and translate its ambition into tangible action.

The United Nations in Lao PDR is committed to this partnership to strengthen evidence-based policy and legislative development, support financing reforms, and build the institutional capacity that underpins accountable and people-centered governance.

Khop chai and thank you.