Round Table Implementation Meeting 2024 Press Release

The Round Table Implementation Meeting (RTIM) 2024 was successfully held today in Vientiane,  marking a significant moment in the annual coordination efforts of the Sector Working Groups.  This year's discussions centered on critical development issues as Lao PDR plans its 10th National  Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and prepares for its upcoming graduation from  Least Developed Country (LDC) status. 

Chaired by H.E. Ph.D. Phet Phomphiphak, Minister of Planning and Investment, alongside Mr.  Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator to Lao PDR, RTIM 2024 took place under the  theme "Enhancing Partnerships to Support the Implementation of the National Socio-Economic  Development Plan". The meeting brought together over 300 representatives, including deputy  ministers, vice governors, members of the National Assembly, ambassadors, heads of international  organizations, and nonprofit organization representatives. 

The RTIM 2024 aimed to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of the 9th NSEDP in 2024, informed by insights from the Mid-Term Review, while also laying the foundation for the  upcoming 10th NSEDP. Additionally, the meeting evaluated Lao PDR's progress toward LDC  graduation and discussed outcomes from the recent Summit of the Future held in New York.  Collaboration in development was also discussed, particularly concerning Laos' participation in  the global partnership monitoring survey of the 4th Round of the Global Partnership for Effective  Development Cooperation (GPEDC) and the review of the Vientiane Declaration on Partnership  for Effective Development Cooperation (VDCAP) for 2016-2025. 

In continuity with last year's RTIM, RTIM 2024 featured two panel discussions that enabled a  deeper strategic dialogue between the government and development stakeholders. These  discussions focused on key topics such as Sustainable Financing for Development Priorities and  Human Capital Development to Support Development Goals. The recommendations and action  points arising from these discussions will be presented to the Prime Minister during a debrief  meeting, with the goal of informing the ongoing development of the 10th NSEDP and the  preparations for LDC graduation. 

During the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Ph.D. Phet Phomphiphak stated, “RTIMs  are essential for Lao PDR. This year's meeting provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to  discuss the progress of the 9th NSEDP implementation in 2024 and to outline the direction for  2025. It also serves as a platform for setting priorities for the 10th NSEDP (2026-2030), preparing  for LDC graduation, and reviewing the outcomes of the Summit of the Future in New York. 

Through this year’s RTIM, we aim to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainable development and associated human capital development. Furthermore, we are addressing Laos'  participation in the 4th round of the Global Partnership Monitoring for Effective Development.  Despite facing financial challenges, neighboring countries, development partners, and other  stakeholders remain committed to advancing the implementation of the NSEDPs, demonstrating a  positive trend overall”.  

Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov added, “This meeting allows us to explore ways to refine and strengthen  our collaboration. By working together effectively, we can better address the challenges we face  and accelerate our progress toward the national vision of sustainable development”. 

The RTIM received technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  on behalf of the UN Development System and the development partner community, with financial  backing from USAID and New Zealand for the organization of this meeting.