Lao PDR and United Nations Advance Partnership, Launch 2025 Results and set course for next Cooperation Framework

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 meeting brought together representatives from key ministries and UN agencies to review progress and align priorities for 2026.

2025 Results: Delivering Impact Amidst a Transition Year

The 2025 Annual Results Report highlights the collective contributions of the UN system in Lao PDR in support of the 9th National Socio-economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Across four strategic priorities, the UN continued to deliver integrated support—combining policy advice, technical expertise, and community-level interventions—to reach the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind.

Progress in 2025 spanned improvements in health and education services, expanded social protection, support to women’s empowerment, and continued efforts in climate resilience and disaster response. Support to inclusive governance, strong legal frameworks, and combatting trafficking further contributed to national development priorities. Human-centered initiatives continued to demonstrate tangible impact in communities, from enhanced learning opportunities for children with disabilities to strengthened livelihoods and resilience among the rural and vulnerable populations. 

Priorities for 2026: Accelerating the Final Year of the Cooperation Framework

As the Lao PDR–UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026) enters its final year, discussions focused on accelerating results through the 2026 Joint Work Plans. UN agencies outlined coordinated actions across the four strategic priorities: people’s wellbeing, inclusive prosperity, governance and rule of law, and environment, climate change, and resilience. Particular mention was made of the ongoing joint programmes as well as two new ones initiated in 2026 on food systems transformation and non-communicable diseases, and joint initiatives to support digital transformation, disability inclusion and youth empowerment. 

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Next Phase of UN–Lao PDR Cooperation

The meeting also provided an update on the formulation of the next Cooperation Framework (2027–2031), which will guide the UN’s support in alignment with the upcoming 10th NSEDP. Built on an independent evaluation, extensive consultations, and a comprehensive country analysis, the new framework is being designed to be more strategic, focused, and catalytic—prioritizing key SDG transitions to accelerate progress.

In parallel, UN agencies are developing their Country Programme Documents to align with the new framework, ensuring a coherent and forward-looking UN offer to the Government of Lao PDR.

Leadership Reflections

Director-General Moukdavanh Sisoulith highlighted the importance of the Joint Steering Committee as a key platform for ensuring effective coordination and alignment of development efforts, particularly as Lao PDR prepares for its next phase of national development planning.

UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov emphasized: “This is a pivotal moment for Lao PDR. We are closing one Cooperation Framework cycle, finalizing plans for the new one, and supporting the country through a historic transition from LDC status – all while responding to global uncertainty, economic pressures, and climate impacts.  Amidst global economic pressures and climate- related shocks, the United Nations remains committed to increasing programmatic coherence and leveraging joined-up resources to ensure that every dollar and decision delivers greater impact for the people of Lao PDR.”

The 2025 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