World Environment Day and National Environment Day Ceremony

Excellency, Mme. Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Excellency, 

Mr. Bounchom Oubonpaseuth, Governor of Savannakhet Province

Honorable Vice-Minister and Vice-Governor, senior Government officials

Representatives from FAO, UNDP and UN-Habitat 

Distinguished guests, community members, students:

On behalf of the United Nations in Lao PDR, it is a great honor for me to join you today in celebrating the 52nd anniversary of the World Environment Day and the 26th anniversary of the National Environment Day here at Ing Hang Stupa, one of the nationally significant religious and cultural sites in Lao PDR, located in Savannakhet province. I am also delighted to be joined by my colleagues from the UN Country Team, who strongly support climate resilience, environment and biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction, working hand-in-hand with Government and other partners. 

This year’s theme – “Reduce the use of plastic for a clean and bright environment (#BeatPlasticPollution)” – is both timely and compelling. The fight against plastic pollution is not just an environmental imperative, it is a social, economic and health necessity for the people and the planet.

Plastic pollution continues to harm our rivers, forests and biodiversity, while also threatening human health and livelihoods, especially for communities who depend directly on nature. Globally, the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic every year, and a significant portion of it ends up polluting our ecosystems.

Lao PDR, like many countries, faces mounting challenges in waste management, particularly single-use plastics. But today, we are also witnessing growing awareness, innovation and action led by communities, youth, government institutions and partners.

The United Nations System is committed to supporting countries to reduce plastic pollution and transition towards a circular economy. At the global level, the UN is actively supporting negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, which reflects the urgency of this crisis.

Here in Lao PDR, the UN has worked closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other partners on multiple initiatives: 

• The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is promoting sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to reducing plastic use in farming. Through the Building Climate-Resilient and Eco-Friendly Agriculture initiative, over 2,500 farming households have adopted eco-friendly approaches such as community-based disaster risk mitigation, solar-powered irrigation systems, and climate-resilient crop production. These practices reduce dependence on plastic mulch, pesticide containers and non-biodegradable farming tools by encouraging natural alternatives and efficient resource management.
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the development of gender-responsive environmental policies and waste management strategies, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and enhancing recycling efforts. This includes providing technical assistance for the implementation of the National Plastics Action Plan (2024–2030) among other UN partners.
• The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has made significant contributions through Partnership for Plastic-free Mekong River project through technical innovation solutions and policy development. In addition, UNEP has worked closely with national stakeholders in the development and implementation of the National Plastic Action Plans.
• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is championing youth-led environmental education programs, where water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities promote hygienic and eco-friendly behaviors, including responsible waste practices.
• The UN Office on Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) has brought together 1,500 stakeholders at the annual Lao National Urban Forums, advocating with city mayors and other stakeholders to build cleaner cities, reduce plastic waste and promote smart environmental management. UN-Habitat also supported the formulation of Lao PDR’s first Green City Action Plan.

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) is supporting the development of a national health waste strategy, that focuses on healthcare waste management, especially disposal of infectious and hazardous medical waste, to ensure infectious waste can be treated and disposed of safely.

   

Most recently, the UN in Lao PDR launched the Joint Programme on Green and Climate Finance, a bold, nationally owned initiative, developed in response to the priorities identified in the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the LDC Graduation Strategy. This programme, which will be jointly implemented by FAO, UNDP, UNEP and UN-Habitat with funding from the Government of Luxembourg, aims to strengthen institutional capacity, unlock green investments and accelerate climate-resilient development.

Altogether, these efforts reflect a unified vision: protecting our natural heritage, advancing equity and building a greener, healthier future for all. But meaningful progress depends on collective action — by government, civil society, the private sector, international partners – and above all, by women, men and youth, whose leadership is essential. In Lao households, over 90 percent of domestic waste is managed by women—most often mothers and grandmothers, who take on the critical responsibility of sorting and disposal. Tackling plastic pollution effectively means ensuring our solutions are inclusive, gender-responsive and shaped by those already leading change in homes and communities. 

There are many things each and every one of us can do to reduce plastic waste. For instance, we can refuse single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery and plastic bags, and opt for reusable alternatives like metal or bamboo straws and cloth bags. We can also switch to reusable water bottles instead of buying disposable plastic bottles, which also saves money. And we can participate in community clean-ups and recycling drives to keep plastics out of the environment.

There are also innovations and technological solutions to help these efforts, such as replacing plastics in products with biodegradable alternatives made from food or paper waste that are compostable and water-degradable; or improving recycling technologies to convert plastic waste into stock for new plastics, also reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Together, these approaches — from personal behavior changes to technological solutions and policy reform — are necessary to effectively combat plastic pollution and protect ecosystems and human health. And through stronger partnerships, we can drive behavior change, scale innovation and embed environmental responsibility into every level of society and in policymaking.

Let today serve not only as a commemoration, but also as a renewed call to action. Beating plastic pollution must move beyond awareness into concrete, long-term commitments to protect the environment, ensure social justice, and safeguard the well-being of future generations.

On behalf of the United Nations, I thank the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Savannakhet Provincial Government for hosting this important gathering. We remain a steadfast partner to the Government and people of Lao PDR in building a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.

Khop chai lai lai!