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.com

Vilaylack Khounvisith, National Communications Consultant, FAO Lao PDR, Vilaylack.khounvisith@fao.org

Souphavanh Phonmany, Communications Officer, ADB Lao PDR, sphonmany@adb.org

Aksonethip Somvorachit, Communications and Advocacy Officer, UNRCO Lao PDR, aksonethip.somvorachit@un.org