United Nations in Lao PDR

Latest

16 March 2026

Opening Remarks at Handover Ceremony

10 March 2026

UNOPS and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Host Partnership Dialogue to Strengthen Sustainable Infrastructure in Lao PDR

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Story

09 March 2026

More Than Making Ends Meet: The Bravery to Choose Education

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Latest

Speech

16 March 2026

Opening Remarks at Handover Ceremony

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Press Release

10 March 2026

UNOPS and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Host Partnership Dialogue to Strengthen Sustainable Infrastructure in Lao PDR

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Story

09 March 2026

More Than Making Ends Meet: The Bravery to Choose Education

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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.

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Publication

27 March 2025

UN Country Annual Results Report 2024

The 2024 Annual Results Report highlights the UN’s support to Lao PDR’s national development priorities during the third year of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-26). Showcasing the collective efforts of 25 UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, the report presents progress made on enhancing people's well-being and resilience, improving governance and environment, and supporting policy developments while ensuring that no one is left behind.Through human-interest stories, the report brings to life the impact of UN interventions, from farmers adopting sustainable practices to teachers improving learning outcomes and communities rebuilding after climate shocks. It also reflects on the UN’s role in supporting Lao PDR’s Smooth Transition Strategy for LDC Graduation, the 3rd Voluntary National Review, localisation of the Pact for the Future, and policy reforms—shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.

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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

09 March 2026

More Than Making Ends Meet: The Bravery to Choose Education

She was one of the young volunteers from Champasak University supporting the event—quietly efficient, attentive, and curious. At the time, our interaction was brief, shaped by the many tasks we each had to deliver. As the UN in Lao PDR booth presenter, I worked closely with several volunteers after briefing them on our messages and materials, and Takky stood out for the care and pride she brought to her role.It wasn’t until December, however, that we truly connected through a phone call.Perhaps it helped that my father was also from the rural areas of Champasak Province. Being half southern myself, when we finally had the chance to sit down and talk, our conversation flowed easily— grounded in shared references, familiar accents, and an unspoken understanding of what it means to grow up outside the capital.Takky is a 22-year-old final-year student at Champasak University, studying Economics and Management. It was not a degree she chose out of passion at first, she admitted, but out of fear—fear that without a “practical” field of study, she might not find a job. For her, university was never a given; it was a risk.She still remembers riding her motorcycle for two hours in the rain just to sit for the university entrance examination. She was determined not to miss the chance. That day mattered more than discomfort, more than fear. Takky is the first person in her entire family to attend university.Her childhood, she told me, was colorful— filled with questions, resilience, and quiet hope. Her father passed away when she was just eleven months old. Soon after, her older brother and her mother left to work in a neighboring country to support the family. Takky grew up in the care of her maternal grandparents, surrounded by love, but also by limitation.In her family, as in many others, survival came first. Work was something you did immediately, not something you prepared for years in advance. Yet even as a child, Takky wanted more than simply making ends meet. She dreamed of a sustainable future—one where her family could not only survive, but thrive.Her journey into volunteering began unexpectedly. Through social media, Takky saw young people in neighboring countries doing what she described as “really cool” things—acts of service that cared for their communities. Inspired, she later met seniors at school who were already volunteering. She joined one group, and soon became hooked.“It’s not about giving,” she told me. “You get so much in return.”Through volunteering, Takky learned things no classroom could teach her—how to communicate, organize, listen, and lead. She spoke with pride about being trusted to facilitate activities and support others, moments that helped her discover leadership skills she never knew she had.Living in Pakse and being exposed to new ideas and experiences has shaped her hopes for the future. When she graduates, Takky hopes to work with organizations that improve livelihoods in communities like her own.She recalled her primary school days vividly. “During lunch breaks, my friends and I would run down the slope to the Mekong River next to our school to drink water,” she said. “We scooped it up with our palms. We didn’t think about hygiene or cleanliness—we were just thirsty.” Growing up, her family relied on water from the Mekong for cleaning and household use, boiling it for drinking and cooking. And it was only about a decade ago that households began to have access to commercially sold drinking water.Today, Takky speaks passionately about the need for resource mobilization to ensure access to basic needs—clean water especially. Even now, tap water remains a privilege her home village does not enjoy.She is equally passionate about education. For Takky, education is not just about earning money today or tomorrow. It is about opening doors, breaking cycles, and securing a better future—so that more people can experience possibilities beyond survival.She shared something deeply personal as we spoke. Although her family has supported her financially, she was not given unconditional permission to study. She had to explain her reasons and justify her choice. Now, she feels a responsibility—to make the most of these four years, to ensure they count, and to prove that choosing education was the right decision.As I listened to Takky, I was reminded that development is not an abstract concept. It lives in stories like hers—in resilience shaped by hardship, in dreams formed through exposure, and in a quiet determination to give back, not because one has excess, but because one understands what is missing.Takky’s journey is still unfolding. But already, it reflects the power of opportunity, the value of education, and the leadership potential of young people when they are trusted, supported, and inspired to imagine a better tomorrow

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Vilaiphone Phakasy-UN Volunteer for Lao Urban National Forum_Pakse Leg

Story

02 February 2026

Bringing Water Home: A Village’s Journey

He grew up near a stream in Thavone District, where water was plentiful, but farmland was scarce. In 2003, his family and other villagers relocated to Vangxay, a move meant to provide better opportunities. But access to water remained a challenge. Like many in the village, Somtha and his family started and ended their days fetching water from a distant stream. During the dry season, even the wells and shared pumps ran low, and the water they did have wasn’t always clean. Over the years, he devised a way to manage—building a small channel to funnel water from the stream up the mountain. It shows the resilience and inventiveness of the village inhabitants, but this solution was only ever temporary. Water access this way remained uncertain and finding ways to store it took constant effort. With so much time and energy spent on simply securing water, there was little room to focus on expanding their farms, improving their homes, or pursuing new opportunities. That is why Vangxay was identified in a climate vulnerability assessment as one of the most at-risk villages in Attapeu. UN-Habitat, using geospatial mapping and local data, worked with district authorities to pinpoint communities where access to clean water was most limited and where droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases were a frequent concern. The results helped prioritize investment in water infrastructure—ensuring that the areas with the highest need received support first.Across the road, Eingkham, 56, has seen this change firsthand. She no longer wakes up early to haul water before tending her fields. "It’s easier now," she says, filling a bucket from the tap outside her house. "Before, even washing our hands felt like we were using up too much water." Not everyone in Vangxay has a direct connection yet. Some still rely on shared underground pumps, pooling resources with neighbors to maintain access. But for those who now have running water at home, the difference is clear—it saves time, reduces health risks, and makes daily life more manageable.While the vulnerability assessment focused on the most at-risk households, the impact has reached beyond them. Families with easier access to water now have more time for work, school, or growing food, reducing the burden on others. Households that once had to rely on neighbors for water can now contribute in different ways—offering food, labor, or simply a helping hand.Standing by her backyard garden, Eingkham watches as her chickens gather near the water she’s just poured. "It’s one less thing to worry about," she says simply.For communities like Vangxay, access to clean water is a work in progress. But for those who now have it, it has already made a lasting difference—not just for individuals, but for the village as a whole.

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Somtha, Vangxay village residents, benificiaries of Enhancing the climate and disaster resilience of the most vulnerable rural and emerging urban human settlements in Lao PDR

Story

02 February 2026

Roots of Resilience: A Village Reimagines Waste as Wealth

Phaivanh Sidavong, 55, beams with pride, her voice cheerful as she guides us to her home in the peaceful Huat Village, nestled in the tranquil Kham District of Xiengkhouang Province. As she walks, her enthusiasm is palpable—this is more than just a story of change; it’s a testament to resilience and innovation in a community that has discovered a new path to prosperity. Huat Village, a tight-knit community known for its rice and corn production, has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past year. Once scattered with discarded rice straw and dried corn cobs, these materials now have new life. Each house in the village has turquoise sacks filled with dried corn cobs carefully stacked under the stilts. A stark contrast to a year ago when these leftovers would have simply been burned—wasted—without a second thought. For generations, families in Huat Village, like many rural communities in Laos, relied on rice and corn farming as their main source of income. After the harvest, the waste—rice straw and dried corn cobs—would be burned, the quickest and cheapest way to dispose of them. This practice not only caused harmful emissions, disrupting the serene beauty of the area, but it also posed environmental and health risks, a concern shared by lecturers at Souphanouvong University’s Faculty of Agriculture. “There’s a cost to the environment, and to us,” says Dr. Nouphone Manivanh, a university lecturer and member of the project team. “Every year, even in the city of Luang Prabang, the smoke fills the air, covering the beauty of the landscape. It’s a cycle we needed to break.” Enter innovation. In a Small-Grants Programme- supported initiative, eight families, including Phaivanh’s, were introduced to sustainable alternatives. Instead of discarding the waste, they learned to grow oyster mushrooms, ferment animal feed using rice straws, and even make charcoal from corn cobs. The results were nothing short of revolutionary. The once-neglected agricultural waste has become a new source of income for the village. Phaivanh, with her contagious laughter and warm spirit, remembers when her neighbor approached her, eager to learn how they could grow mushrooms too. “We’re like one big family here,” she says. “We help each other. When we’re packing the rice straw into bags or waiting for the mushrooms to bloom, we’re all together, lending a hand.” Though the mushroom-growing project is still in its early stages, the impact is clear. Unlike traditional rice farming, which yields only two harvests a year, mushrooms provide a much quicker return. Phaivanh can now sell up to 40 kilos of mushrooms per month, at 50,000 LAK per kilo. Each pod can yield 3 to 4 rounds of mushrooms before the spores run out, far outpacing the income from rice farming. The community’s success has sparked a ripple effect. The villagers are no longer just surviving—they’re thriving. For Phaivanh and many others, this transformation is more than financial; it’s a deep sense of pride and achievement. “We’ve turned something we used to burn into something we can sell, something we can be proud of,” she says, her smile wide. Phaivanh even mentioned that recently, introduced by her niece, she has embraced digital opportunities and started taking mushroom orders from her friends on Facebook! In a village once known for its agricultural waste, the people of Huat Village have found new value in what was once discarded. Their story is not just one of sustainability but of hope and possibility—proof that with a little innovation and a lot of community spirit, even the most ordinary materials can be turned into extraordinary opportunities.

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Beneficiaries demonstrating the process of stuffing waste to fermented mushroom

Story

17 December 2025

Brewing Change: From Opium Poppies to Premium Coffee in the Mountains of Lao PDR

(10 December, Xamneua, Lao PDR) – In the mist-covered highlands of Houaphanh Province, Vongsone carefully inspects his morning harvest among the red coffee cherries. A few years ago, this land grew a different crop — one that tethered communities to poverty and criminal networks. Today, these same hills are rewriting their story. This transition is at the heart of the Alternative Development Field Workshop, titled "From Theory to Practice," taking place this week in Xamneua District. Sponsored by the Government of China and organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Mekong MOU framework, the event brings together government representatives from the Mekong and beyond, development partners, and practitioners to witness firsthand how long-term investment in licit livelihoods is reshaping the region. A Harvest of Hope Since 2015, UNODC, in close partnership with the Lao Government, has been working on the ground in Houaphanh, a region historically affected by opium poppy cultivation. The strategy was clear: replace the illicit drug economy with a sustainable value chain that empowers farmers "from seed to cup". The result is the Vanmai Coffee Cooperative. Established in 2020 to unite farmers and strengthen their collective bargaining power, Vanmai has become a beacon of success. Today, the programme supports 914 farming households in Houaphanh alone, helping them secure Fairtrade certification and connect with international buyers in Europe. “When I grew opium, I earned about 200,000 kip a year. Through the Alternative Development project, I began growing coffee and received support with farming, processing, and access to markets. Today, I earn much more - enough to send my children to school. Last year, I was even able to build a house in town for my family.” said Vongsone, coffee farmer, Ban Bone Village, Xamneua, Lao PDREmpowerment in Every Cup Beyond economics, the impact is deeply social. The Vanmai Women’s Network, established in 2021, has opened doors for women to take on leadership roles and engage in commercial activities. Income generated from coffee sales is being reinvested by communities into essential infrastructure, including schools, electricity, and sanitation. Farmers are also adopting climate-smart practices, such as shade-grown coffee and organic composting, ensuring that their development does not come at the cost of the environment.Looking Ahead As delegates gather in Xamneua to visit the coffee plantations and processing centres, the focus is also on the future. The successful model in Houaphanh is already being replicated in Phongsaly Province, where an additional 393 households are now receiving support, bringing the total beneficiary base to over 1,300 families.“Alternative Development is not about replacing one crop with another. It is about building a value chain that restores trust and opens long-term opportunity. What we have seen here is the progress made through sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and, above all, communities who have welcomed us into their homes. That trust carries responsibility, and it is not something we take lightly.” Said Thida Soukthavone, Officer-in-Charge, Alternative Development Programme, UNODC Lao PDR OfficeSupported by the Governments of Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, the United States, and Japan, this initiative proves that with the right support, communities can transition from vulnerability to resilience — one coffee bean at a time.The blog is written by Daiming Huang, Digital Media Officer, UNODC ROSEAP

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Coffee farmer Vongsone picking ripe coffee cherries.

Story

20 November 2025

Lao PDR and United Nations Celebrate 70 Years of Partnership

at the UN House in Vientiane. The celebration reaffirmed the lasting partnership between the Government and the UN, with a focus on SDG acceleration, the Pact for the Future, and youth engagement.H.E. Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, was the Guest of Honour, joined by senior government officials, Ambassadors, Heads of UN Agencies, youth representatives, and civil society and development partners. The event opened with the launch of “The UN at Country Level – A Practical Guide to the United Nations Operational System”, co-hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Embassy of Switzerland. Speaking alongside the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Jean-Gabriel Duss, Regional Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), presented the guide, emphasizing its role in clarifying how the UN operates in countries, supporting governments, and fostering effective partnerships. The guide forms part of Switzerland’s “UN Red Books Collection,” translating complex UN processes into practical tools for governments and partners. The commemoration featured a series of showcases of UN’s history in Lao PDR and joint initiatives shaping the current UN—Lao PDR Cooperation Framework. A symbolic UN House “Tree of Growth”, narrated by UNDP Resident Representative Martine Therer, placed the preserved wood from a spirit tree lost in a 2024 storm side-by-side with a recently replanted tree, a testament to resilience, renewal and the enduring roots of Lao–UN cooperation.The Prime Minister was then guided through an exhibition of “70 Years of Partnership for People, Planet and Progress” by UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov. Each exhibit showcased a story of UN partnerships and results, told by youth representatives, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programs led by UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF; UXO clearance by UNDP; social protection and youth employment initiatives by ILO, IOM and UNV; the Van Mai Coffee tasting by UNODC; and work on food systems and nutrition by WFP, FAO and IFAD. Each stop connected past achievements to ongoing national efforts to advance the SDGs and accelerate development outcomes. A screening of the short film “Lao UN70: Our Shared Story” showcased the history of Lao–UN cooperation, alongside young people sharing their vision for the next decade. Addressing the guests, the UN Resident Coordinator highlighted the seven decades of partnership and the UN’s role in supporting Lao PDR’s development journey, including institution-building, poverty reduction, and preparation for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He stressed that youth will be central in shaping the next chapter of innovation, inclusion, and climate action. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of youth engagement, noting that the LaoUN70 logo, designed by a young Lao artist and launched earlier this year, exemplifies the creativity and leadership of the country’s next generation.The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Lao UN70 commemorative postage stamps, which incorporate the LaoUN70 logo. The stamps symbolize unity, continuity and a shared commitment to a peaceful and inclusive future. The formal programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony featuring the LaoUN70 and UN@80 insignia, followed by informal discussions and networking. The commemoration took place at a historic moment, as the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025 and Lao PDR advances toward LDC graduation in its SDG journey. It highlighted the UN’s sustained partnership with Lao PDR over seven decades, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to inclusive, youth-driven and forward-looking development.

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Lao-UN 70th anniversary commemorated event cake

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Press Release

10 March 2026

UNOPS and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) Host Partnership Dialogue to Strengthen Sustainable Infrastructure in Lao PDR

The event was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E Detsongkham Thammavong, and Ms. Eda Kraja, the Country Manager of UNOPS for Lao PDR and Cambodia. The workshop was organized to build upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two entities on October 20, 2025."I see this partnership as an architect's blueprint. It shows us the vision, the design of what we can build together," stated Ms. Kraja during her opening remarks. "Today, all of us in this room ―the leaders, the experts, the planners― we are the engineers and the builders. My hope is that we will have identified one or two strong, clear, and concrete opportunities where we can begin our work together."The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, H.E Detsongkham Thammavong, also emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. "This workshop is a good opportunity for us to understand more about the roles and expertise of UNOPS that might push and strengthen the technical capacity for the Ministry," the Deputy Minister remarked. "I urge all parties attending today's meeting to exchange and actively contribute ideas according to the meeting agenda to ensure future cooperation is effective and can be used in joint project implementation."The partnership and the workshop discussions center on four primary areas of collaboration: ● Improving priority infrastructure projects: Providing technical and implementation support, including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, detailed engineering designs, and construction management.● Capacity building for sustainable transport corridors: Strengthening MPWT's capacity to plan, design, manage, and finance public infrastructure projects through technical and advisory services. ● PPP project preparation and investment mobilization: Supporting the creation of integrated project feasibility frameworks designed to make projects fundable and attractive to potential private sector partners.Project procurement support: Delivering end-to-end procurement and supply chainThe full-day workshop featured presentations and discussions with the UNOPS team, including the East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office’s Infrastructure Advisor, Dr. Ali Salha, and the Senior Partnerships Development Manager, Akira Moretto, alongside the Directors General and Deputy Directors General from eight ministerial departments. The participating departments of the Ministry, which shared their respective portfolios and challenges, included the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, Water Supply, Roads, Transport, Waterways, Railways, and of Civil Aviation.\The workshop will be followed by individual department meetings on March 11 to deep dive into specific portfolios and develop actionable plans for 2026.Press contact details: Yadhu Acharya, UNOPS Communications and Partnerships Officer for South East Asia and the Pacific yadhua@unops.org About UNOPS: UNOPS' mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners to manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more at www.unops.org and follow UNOPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and WhatsApp. About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT): The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is responsible for developing and maintaining Lao PDR's national infrastructure, including its road, rail, water, and air transportation networks. Its role includes strategic planning, managing transportation services, and overseeing construction and maintenance projects to enhance connectivity, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life in the country. Read more at https://www.mpwt.gov.la/en/

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Press Release

02 March 2026

Lao PDR Launches National Action Plan to Transform Food Systems and Strengthen Climate Resilience

Unveiled in Vientiane today, this national action plan outlines 20 strategic areas of action and 62 priority milestones to advance inclusive, resilient, and nature‑positive food systems as the country moves toward graduation from Least Developed Country status. This strategic roadmap responds directly to the interconnected “5F crisis”—food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, and finance—that has profound / /affected rural livelihoods and constrained national development. Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR:“The National Action Plan represents a paradigm shift — from viewing food and agriculture as a single sector, to understanding food systems as the backbone of our national development, linking production, nutrition, health, environment, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth. The recent merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is an historic institutional reform that allows us, for the first time, to plan and manage agriculture, forestry, land, water, biodiversity, and climate change in a more integrated way. The Government is fully committed to implementing this Plan and to working closely with all partners to translate it into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”Implementation of the national action plan is being advanced through substantial multi‑partner investment. A USD 4.5 million UN Joint Programme—supported by the Joint SDG Fund and core contributions from seven UN agencies, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—is delivering activities in priority provinces of Luang Prabang and Oudomxay. This is complemented by USD 33 million in co‑financing from ADB, aligned with its wider agrifood systems and resilient rural infrastructure portfolio. Together, these investments are promoting green agricultural innovation, healthier diets for youth and women, and greater regional competitiveness for high‑quality Lao products, including Khao Kai Noi rice and Bolaven coffee.'During the launching event, some key frameworks were also presented to guide the implementation of the NAP. The Operational Approach to Food System Transformation, Private Sector Agribusiness Financing, and the Convergence Action Blueprint, 2025–2035, developed through the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub's Convergence Initiative, provides Lao PDR—as a pioneer country—with a nationally owned roadmap aligning food systems transformation with climate action across government, development partners, and the private sector.United Nations Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR:“The National Action Plan is a true force multiplier: it contributes to at least five of the six outcome areas of Lao PDR’s 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Integrated food systems reform is an opportunity to promote sustainable livelihoods, people-centred rural development, and improve health and nutrition outcomes that raise the potential of all people in Lao PDR. This is exactly the kind of sustainable, inclusive, and green growth that is central to Lao PDR’s plans to graduate from LDC status, and the UN system stands fully behind this national effort.” FAO Representative to Lao PDR:“Today’s launch marks the transition from planning to implementation. FAO has been proud to accompany Lao PDR from the National Food Systems Summit Dialogues through to this Action Plan—a methodical, evidence-based journey that ensures the Plan is not merely aspirational but operationally feasible and technically sound. As your technical partner, FAO pledges its unwavering support in translating this vision into tangible improvements in food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods, bringing our global expertise, regional experience, and country-level partnerships to this transformative effort.” About the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE): The MAE leads Lao PDR’s efforts in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, overseeing the implementation of the National Action Plan (2025–2030). About FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized UN agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger and ensure food security for all. About the United Nations in Lao PDR: The UN system in Lao PDR supports national priorities through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, focusing on resilient and inclusive growth. About ADB: ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.Note:The Joint SDG Fund Food Systems Transformation Window was established through a partnership between the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and the Joint SDG The fund secretariat supports government-led food systems transformation and accelerates progress across the SDGs.This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. We sincerely appreciate the contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland in accelerating progress towards the SDGs. For media enquiries, please contact:Khemmalay Sondavanh, Mass Media Communications officer, MAE, khemmalay_n1@outlook.comVilaylack Khounvisith, National Communications Consultant, FAO Lao PDR, Vilaylack.khounvisith@fao.orgSouphavanh Phonmany, Communications Officer, ADB Lao PDR, sphonmany@adb.orgAksonethip Somvorachit, Communications and Advocacy Officer, UNRCO Lao PDR, aksonethip.somvorachit@un.org

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Press Release

30 January 2026

Government of Lao PDR and United Nations to convene Joint Steering Committee to shape Cooperation Framework 2027–2031

Co-chaired by Ms. Moukdavanh Sisoulith, Director General of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator, the session marks a key milestone in aligning UN programming with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.“As we design the next Cooperation Framework, our priority is to ensure full alignment with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR. “This moment allows us to sharpen our collective focus so that UN support over the next five years is strategic, catalytic and directly responsive to Lao PDR’s national development priorities.”The additional JSC comes as the current UNSDCF 2022–2026 enters its final year and follows an independent evaluation, extensive consultations with national stakeholders, and a comprehensive country analysis by the UN Country Team. Today’s meeting focuses on confirming shared priorities and agreed outcomes for the 2027–2031 Cooperation Framework, ensuring that United Nations support is aligned, strategic, and directly responsive to Lao PDR’s national development objectives.Participants include representatives from key ministries, such as finance; agriculture and environment; labour and social welfare; health; education and sports; industry and commerce; technology and communications; justice; and public works and transport, alongside UN agencies operating in Lao PDR.The annual technical Joint Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for March 2026, where the 2025 United Nations Country Team Annual Results Report and priorities for the final year of the UNSDCF 2022–2026 will be presented.

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Press Release

21 January 2026

ILO review helps set direction for new Lao National Social Protection Strategy

The final, end-term review of the NSPS 2021–25, conducted by the ILO-UNDESA project “Accelerating universal social protection for achieving the SDGs and ending poverty through strengthened governance” found that the country has made steady progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with 94.5 per cent of the population legally covered, alongside a gradual increase in social security coverage among enterprises, self-employed and agricultural workers. The five-year period also saw a notable increase in coverage of vulnerable population groups, with 109,000 maternal and child welfare beneficiaries and over 200,000 children in 41 districts benefitting from the School Meals programme. “These initiatives were supported by robust legal and policy frameworks and the establishment of multi-stakeholder Social Protection Committees at the national level and in 17 provinces,” said Loveleen De, Social Protection Programme Manager, ILO. Vilayphong Sisomvang, Director-General of Planning and International Cooperation at Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the Head of the National Social Protection Committee Secretariat observed that: “The coordination mechanism for social protection has seen significant progress over time, particularly through the active roles of the National and Provincial Social Protection Committees. This collaborative approach has enabled stakeholders to enhance their capacity in key areas such as health insurance and social welfare, contributing to more effective and inclusive social protection systems.”The review highlighted that many challenges nevertheless remain, such as large coverage gaps, low and uneven level of protection, rising out-of-pocket expenditures and varying service quality for healthcare. Heavy reliance on donor funding limiting scale and sustainability, insufficient funding for the Secretariat’s functions, and limited number of experts and trained staff in the Secretariat were also raised as key bottlenecks. Initiated in September 2025, the review process saw interviews take place with government stakeholders and international partners, focus group discussions with beneficiaries in three field locations, data analysis, and two validation workshops. The process also saw the NSPS implementation roadmap and monitoring indicators updated. The report is expected to be published in mid–2026.De added: “While the past five years have seen many advancements – the move towards UHC, stronger focus on the informal sector to join social security, and piloting and expansion of social welfare programmes, sustained progress will depend on institutionalising funding and implementation within national structures.”In December 2025, the Lao People's Democratic Republic launched its first social security mobile application as part of efforts to modernise service delivery. The app was launched at a national policy forum for dialogue and collaboration – the National Symposium on Social Protection, themed “Digitalise, Transform, and Deliver in a New Era”, also supported by the ILO–UNDESA Project.

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Press Release

12 December 2025

Lao People’s Democratic Republic launches its first social security mobile application

Vientiane (ILO News) – The Lao Social Security Organisation (LSSO) has officially launched the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s first social security mobile application, boosting accessibility to important services for rural and informal workers. The new LSSO app was developed with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO)-China Partnership Programme and unveiled at the Second National Symposium on Social Protection held in Vientiane Capital on 12 December 2025. In its initial phase, the app can be used by informal workers to pay monthly contributions, check eligibility for various benefits, estimate benefit amounts and view information including contributions, payments and claims. The app will be upgraded over the next four years to expand its features and widen access to include those working in formal enterprises and public sector employees.Speaking at the launch, Chomyeang Pheangthongsawat, Director-General of LSSO said: “This mobile application is a bridge that leads us to the future. It will make social security services better, more convenient, and more accessible for everyone.”In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic social security services have only been accessible in person at LSSO branch offices and some bank branches. This makes it difficult for rural, informal and self-employed workers to pay contributions, verify eligibility, calculate benefits, or access treatment records. Manual, paper-based processes have in the past led to slow service delivery and inconsistent information, which ultimately affected user experience and perception.By making these services available on a single digital platform, the LSSO app directly addresses challenges related to travel, delays, lack of information and limited accessibility, particularly for rural and informal workers who previously relied on in-person visits. In parallel, ILO has been supporting LSSO to enhance interoperability of the social security database with other national systems. LSSO has developed Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that connect LSSO with the population, business registration and medical information systems with the ultimate goal of improving law enforcement, increasing the membership base, and increasing revenues for the Fund.Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic hailed the launch of the app as a significant milestone. “This innovation brings social security services directly into the hands of workers. With a simple tap on their smartphones, members can do things that once required long waiting or travel times. This is more than a digital tool, it is a major step in modernising service delivery and strengthening trust in institutions.”Smartphone users will be able to download the app from Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store (for iOS and Android) from January 2026 onwards.The mobile app was developed, tested and launched with support from the “Extending social protection coverage to workers in the informal economy and leveraging digital transformation through South-South Cooperation” initiative under the ILO-China Partnership Programme.

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