Lao PDR

17 May 2012 - Setting the path toward graduation from Least Developed Country status

The first steps in developing a strategy for the country's graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2020 have been taken at a two-day workshop, 16 and 17 May. At the meeting government representatives learned about and discussed the three criteria for graduation and the adjustments to policy and programming that may be necessary following graduation. Read more / Read, 'Tell Me Why': A Lesson for LDC Graduation, by Minh H. Pham, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative

11 May 2012 - Asia-Pacific can no longer afford to grow first and clean up later

Countries in Asia and the Pacific are at a crossroads and must now strike a balance between rising prosperity and rising emissions, according to the new Asia-Pacific Human Development Report, launched in Vientiane, 11 May. The report titled, One Planet to Share: Sustaining Human Progress in a Changing Climate, states that the region must continue to grow economically to lift millions out of poverty, but it must also respond to climate change to survive. Read more

03 May 2012 - Press highlight challenges on World Press Freedom Day

The lack of protection, limited journalism training and uncertainty about media laws make it difficult for the press to accurately portray issues affecting the Lao people. These points were highlighted at a panel discussion entitled, “The Media Landscape in Lao PDR,” held at the UN House to mark World Press Freedom Day. Read more

22 April 2012 - Film premiere a part of history

A new world record was set with the largest global flim premiere ever. The film, One Day On Earth, was screened in over 170 countries worldwide, more than any other in history on the same day. Lao PDR played a role in this record setting with a screening of the film at the Full Moon Cafe in Vientiane. Read more

18 April 2012 - Lao artist wins UNDP Asia Pacific cartoon contest on climage change

Mexay Daravong's cartoon raises awareness of the impact of climate change on children and highlights how the burning of fossil fuels for burgeoning private transport needs is harming the country's air quality, water supply and agricultural livelihoods. Read Press Release / View the winner's gallery

4 April 2012 - Logo design contest to create the MDG 9 logo

A new competition, launched today, invites all Lao residents to submit entries for the design of the Lao specific Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 9 logo. MDG 9 is a national development goal to reduce the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The winning logo will be the one that best highlights the UXO issue in Lao PDR and reflects the style of the current eight global MDGs. Read the flyer

4 April 2012 - Australia commits further funds to tackle UXO in Lao PDR

The Australian Government reconfirmed its strong support to the UXO sector in Lao PDR today by contributing a further AUD 1 million to the UXO Trust Fund. This contribution is un-earmarked and will boost UXO Lao operations, including UXO clearance, roving tasks, surveys, risk education and training. An allocated portion of the funds will also support quality assurance and control. Read more

23 March 2012 - Legal Sector Master Plan sets path for rule of law state by 2020

The new European Union (EU) / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Support Programme for the implementation of the Legal Sector Master Plan, 2012 to 2015, will provide a major step forward in the government's aim to develop a rule of law state by 2020. Read Press Release

22 March 2012 - GLOBAL: Urgent international action needed to combat social inequalities and environmental risks, UN Secretary-General tellls Istanbul forum

Istanbul, 22 March 2012 —Social justice and environmental protection are equally urgent and intrinsically linked universal goals, with coordinated global action needed on both fronts at the UN's ‘Rio+20' Conference on Sustainable Development in June, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message to an audience of development experts, civil society leaders and government officials at the first Global Human Development Forum here today. Read Press Release

13 March 2012 - Swiss government scale up support for good governance in Lao PDR

Continuing its strong commitment to support good governance in Lao PDR, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) signed a USD 5 million agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the National Governance and Public Administration Reform (GPAR) Programme, 2011-2015. Read Press Release

12 March 2012 - Corporate Social Responsibility framework is vital to ensure sustainable and equitable development

At the country's first ever forum to discuss the role of business and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the development of Lao PDR, participants agreed that now is the time to further promote and manage CSR. Achieving this will help to ensure fair distribution of the benefits of private investments, respect to human rights and reduced environmental impacts. Read Press Release

08 March 2012 - International Women's Day: Empower rural women – end hunger and poverty

Despite notable progress by women in Lao PDR, gender inequalities are reflected in lower school enrollment of girls, high maternal mortality and greater progress needs to be made for the representation of women in Government decision making positions, civil service and the judiciary. This inequality especially affects women residing in rural areas. Read more / Read UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark's message

07 March 2012 - Government review 2007-2011 programme and new 4-year plan is launched

Achievements, challenges and lessons learned in the areas of development coordination, governance, environment and UXO, were discussed at a UNDP review meeting with government, UN and development partners. During the 2007-2011 programme US$68.8 million was spent to achieve the goals.The new plan comes at a critical time, with 4-years left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The focus is on 5 priority areas; growth with equity; governance; natural resource management; climate change and disaster; and UXO. Watch a photo and video essay that highlights the work of UNDP in Lao PDR / Read the Country Programme Document 2012 - 2015

29 February 2012 - Access to justice critical for national development

A new report highlights the importance of access to justice for all Lao people to achieve the country's national development goals, including the 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The People's Perspective on Access to Justice Survey in Four Provinces of Lao PDR report was launched on Wednesday 29 February at the Mercure Hotel. Read Press Release / Read the Report

16 February 2012 - Commercial agriculture can alleviate poverty but environmental safeguards are critical

The National Economic Research Institute (NERI) presented results today from a study on the Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Land Use at a National workshop in Vientiane. The case study compared both the financial returns and the environmental costs of different land uses such as non-timber forest products collection, upland rice farming and maize and rubber plantations in Oudomxay province. Read Press Release

04 February 2012 - New UNDP Lao PDR development plan, 2012 - 2105, approved by the Board

The new UNDP Country Programme Document for Lao PDR, 2012 - 2015, was approved by the UNDP Executive Board in New York during their first regular session, 1-3 February. The plan focuses on 5 priority areas; growth with equity; governance; natural resource management; climate change and disaster; and UXO. Read the Country Programme Document 2012 - 2015

03 February 2012 - New public administration reform projects to accelerate public service delivery

In a major new initiative, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) today launched two projects worth US$13.7 million supported by UNDP, UNCDF, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Republic of Korea. The two projects will be part of the Government's programme for Governance and Public Administration Reform during 2011-2015. Read Press Release

31 January 2012 - Bamboo preservation enriches lives and the environment

In the hot and insect infested forest on the outskirts of Napor village, 50 km's west of the capital Vientiane, Kong and his wife Kaew are cutting large chunks of bambooto make furniture. They are members of the Sangthong Bamboo Trade Association that was set up 3-years ago and sold over US$175,000 of products in 2011. The association receives support from the GEF Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by UNDP, in partnership with Oxfam Novib, SNV and the local non-profit association, Gender Development Group (GDG). Read more

13 January 2012 - Round Table retreat sets the 2012 development agenda, with a focus on the off-track MDGs

At a retreat on the Round Table Process, held in Vientiane on 12 January, Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representatives discussed an action plan for 2012 to achieve national development goals and accelerate progress towards the off-track MDGs. The retreat followed on from the Round Table Implementation Meeting (RTIM) held in Vientiane on 22 November last year that was co-chaired by UNDP. Read more

15 December 2011 - Improving lives through better public service delivery: New film highlights impact of good governance on people's lives

In Hor Kong village, Saravane province, a new road means the villagers can now access the market all year round, even during the 5-month rainy season. Not only do the villagers benefit from selling more produce but the new roads also help with access to the network of 11 One Door Service Centres. These provide services, such as business registration, land titles and vehicle registration, under one roof. The road was built with support from the District Development Fund a part of the Governance and Public Administration Reform Programme (GPAR). The Government have called on all development partners to align their work to the new national GPAR programme that starts in 2012. Watch the film in English / Watch the film in Lao

13 December 2011 - Human development media awards ceremony 2011

The winners of the inaugural Human Development media awards 2011 received their prizes in an awards ceremony at the Don Chan Palace Hotel. The awards were established to recognize the role of the Lao media in furthering the rights and opportunities of people through access to information. Journalists were asked to submit articles that put people at the centre of their stories and contribute to the Lao public's understanding of the human development concept. Read more / Read the winning story, Rattan project brings renewed hope for villagers

23 November 2011 - Prime Minister briefed on the results of the Round Table Implementation Meeting

H.E. Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong on Wednesday congratulated international Heads of Delegations on the successful outcome of the Round Table Implementation Meeting 2011 (RTIM). “I would like to congratulate the participants of this year's Round Table Implementation Meeting for their excellent contributions and cooperation to improve development efforts in Lao PDR,” said the Prime Minister. Read Joint Government and UNDP Press Release / Round Table Process Lao PDR website

18 November 2011 - Round Table Implementation Meeting to address off track MDGs

Preparations are in the final stages for this year's Round Table Implementation Meeting (RTIM) that takes the theme, ' Pathway to the Achievment of the 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and 2020 Least Developed Country Graduation'. Read more

15 November 2011 - Lao PDR's Human Development Index value rises again, but environmental degradation and damage threaten progress

Development progress in Lao PDR has been recognized by a rise in the country's Human Development Index value (HDI) from 0.520 in 2010 to 0.524 in 2011, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global Human Development Report (HDR) 2011. Lao PDR has seen a 39 percent rise in its HDI since the first Human Development Report was published in 1990. Read more

15 November 2011 - Human Development Media Awards to recognize role of Lao media in development

The first ever Human Development Media Awards in Lao PDR invites Lao journalists to submit stories based on the Human Development concept and the theme of this year's United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global Human Development Report, Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All. Read more

17 October 2011 - From poverty to sustainability: People at the centre of inclusive development

This year's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty focuses on people and their right to live with health, dignity and hope for the future. Lao PDR's recent record in improving living standards is impressive, with poverty rates falling from 46 percent of the population in 1992 to 27.6 percent in 2008. The current economic boom, averaging 7.9 percent growth annually over the last five years, provides an opportunity to further eradicate poverty. But to realize this, the investments fueling this growth must be sustainable and benefit the people. Read more / Read the Secretary-General's message / Read the UNDP Administrator's message

14 October 2011 - UNDP supports Sendin village boat racing team

The blue and white of UNDP featured prominently at yesterday's traditional Vientiane boat racing festival with the women's and two men's teams from Sendin village wearing the colors.The annual event celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent and this was the first year UNDP have sponsored a village. Read more

03 October 2011 - Voices of the community

A series of short films produced by volunteers from Khoun Community Radio tell their stories of how the radio has impacted on the lives of the community. Produced with support from MetroEast Community Media, based in Oregon, USA, the films are the firsthand accounts of the volunteers behind the success of the first community radio station in Lao PDR. Watch the films: Training by Bounchanh Korakod / Biofertilizer by Somsanouk Phommahasy / Lost and Found by Khamon Phanmisa

29 September 2011 - National committee promotes volunteerism in Lao PDR

The UN House hosted the first meeting of the Lao National Committee of Volunteers chaired by Mr. Alounxai Sounnalath, Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) and organized by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. The meeting reaffirmed the basic principles of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV), held 10-years ago, to recognize, celebrate and promote the invaluable work of volunteers to make our world a better place. Read more

28 September 2011 - Integrating poverty-environment issues into development planning

To achieve sustainable development in Lao PDR the Poverty-Environment Initiative (PEI) supports the government to incorporate poverty-environment links into national and provincial development plans. At a recent Asia Pacific Regional Workshop of PEI in Hua Hin, Thailand, the team shared their experiences and learnt from other country programmes from across the region. Read more / Watch a new film about quality investments for sustainable growth

15 September 2011 - GLOBAL: New guide to help developing countries speed up access to climate finance

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today launched a guidebook aimed at helping decision makers in developing countries to better take advantage of the billions pledged to address climate change. “Blending Climate Finance through National Climate Funds” is based on UNDP's experience in setting up, managing and advising 750 funds and providing services for over US$5 billion in contributions pooled from multiple donors. Read press release / Download guidebook

13 September 2011 - New disaster plan to improve preparedness efforts

Heavy flooding during the northern summer, affecting 10 out of the country's 17 provinces, has underlined the need to strengthen disaster management in Lao PDR. Tropical storm Haima struck central and northern provinces on 24 June with Nock-Ten hitting central and southern areas on the 30 and 31 July. Read more

12 September 2011 - Human rights top agenda for future lawmakers

In a packed classroom on the outskirts of Lao PDR's capital, Vientiane, 68 law students are engaged in fierce debate about the merits of the death penalty. This session is one component of a two week summer course in which students from across the country are learning about the concept of human rights in national and international law. Read more

30 August 2011 - Lao delegation benefit from regional collaboration at AIDS congress in Korea

The large presence of representatives from Lao PDR attending the 10th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) highlights the country's commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS. The Lao delegation includes senior government officials, HIV experts, representatives from civil society and the Lao Network of People Living with HIV. Read more

15 August 2011 - UNDP and UNEP promote dialogue among government departments to improve management of foreign investments

At the first roundtable meeting between the Investment Promotion Department (IPD) and the Department of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (DESIA) it was agreed that there should be increased coordination and information sharing in investment management. The UNDP / UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative (PEI) is working to provide a forum for the two departments to have more regular exchanges and discussions on relevant issues. Read more

19 July 2011 - Growing trees and food: UNDP produces report on Stora Enso plantation project

A Socioeconomic Impact Assessment (SIA) on the Stora Enso Plantation Project in Lao PDR presents a study of the impact of the project on the social and economic fabric of local communities. UNDP believes the findings can make a positive contribution to the country's investment practices and offer a best practices example for large scale investment projects. Read more

15 July 2011 - Government and UNDP focus on equitable and sustainable development

The Government of Lao PDR and UNDP agreed to further strengthen their cooperation and reaffirm their commitment to achieving national development goals by signing a new programme titled, ‘Realizing the MDGs in Lao PDR - Consolidated Programme of Support to Ministry of Planning and Investment for the Achievement of the Valuable Goals of the 7th NSEDP 2011-2015'. Read more

4 July 2011 - Tackling the deadly legacy of UXO

It's rice planting season in Xieng Khouang Province, northern Lao, and for forty-nine year old Vongphone and his wife Bounmee these are nervous times. Five years ago Vongphone's left hand was blown off when he set off an unexploded cluster bomb whilst farming. Today the land is still littered with unexploded ordnance.“It's hard for us because when we farm there is still UXO there and I am still afraid of it. I have to farm, otherwise we have no income,” said Vongphone. Read more

Watch a film about the impact of UXO on Lao PDR

4 July 2011 - Xinhua and UNDP join forces for global photo contest

The Chinese News Agency, Xinhua and UNDP are co-organizing an event that will see camera lenses turned onto poverty related issues across the world. 'The Zoom in on Poverty International Photo Contest' is open for submissions until September 1st. With five years left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals this event will further raise awareness in the global fight against poverty. Read more about the competition and partnership

1 July 2011 - Good governance underpins national development

At a high level meeting in Vientiane the Government of Lao PDR reaffirmed their support to the Governance and Public Administration Reform (GPAR) Programme to strengthen human resource development and improve governance and management systems. This was backed up with a Government committment of $8 million to the estimated $44 million cost of the new programme, 2012 - 2015. Read more

7 June 2011 - Lao delegation travel to New York for High-Level Meeting on AIDS

A Lao Government delegation is in New York this week to attend the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AIDS from 8-10 June. The Minister of Health, Dr Dalaloy Ponmek, heads the Lao representatives who join the President of the UN General Assembly, Joseph Deiss, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 30 Heads of State, and representatives from international organizations, civil society and people living with HIV at the meeting. Read more

5 June 2011 - World Environment Day - Forests: Nature at Your Service

Lao PDR's forests play a vital role in contributing to economic development, supporting the livelihoods of the people and in providing environmental services. But forest cover has declined from about 70% a few decades ago to around 40%. Forest quality has also deteriorated, with dense forest decreasing from 29% in 1992 to 8.2% in 2005. UNDP in Lao PDR is supporting the Government to achieve its goal of increasing forest coverage back to 70% by 2020 and improving the quality of existing forested areas. Read UNDP Administrator Helen Clark's statement

20 May 2011 - Strengthened local Governance and public services improve livelihoods in rural Lao PDR

Thirty-seven year old Timchai is loading her tractor with home grown products for the market with a renewed vigor these days. She knows that come rain or sunshine she will make it to the market. A new road built two years ago now links remote Hor Kong village, 800 km's south of the capital Vientiane, to the main road. Read more

18 May 2011 - Presenting the new National Investment Strategy for quality Foreign Direct Investments in Lao PDR

The Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) presented their new National Investment Strategy and a 2011-15 action plan in a two-day meeting in Vientiane on 18-19th May 2011. The Strategy is a framework to promote quality investments for Lao PDR and to strengthen institutional coordination between all involved ministries for an effective management of domestic and foreign investments. Read more

16 May 2011 - German Government supports UXO Lao in Luangprabang

The German Government signed an agreement with UNDP to provide EUR 250,000 to support the operations of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) in Luangprabang Province for 2011. The agreement was signed by Mr. Wolfgang Joachim Thoran, Chargé d'Affaires (a.i.), German Embassy to Lao PDR and Mr. Minh Pham, UNDP Resident Representative. Read more

14 May 2011 - UNDP Resident Representative meets Prime Minister

At a meeting with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Thongsing Thammavong, the UNDP Resident Representative andUnited Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Minh Pham, stressed the United Nations continued support to the Government of Lao PDR. Mr Thammavong highlighted the commitment of the Government of Lao PDR in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but also stressed the importance of further technical and financial assistance to ensure the goals will be met. Read more

10 May 2011 - Australian Government supports UXO Lao

The Australian Government signed an agreement with UNDP today to provide AUD2.5 million to support the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme. The funds will be channelled through the Trust Fund for Support to the Full Implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Lao PDR. The contribution is un-earmarked and will help to scale up clearance operations and mine risk education, as well as providing quality assurance and control over a two-year period. Read more

29 April 2011 - A legacy of volunteers links communities to information in remote southern Lao PDR

In Thateng town, Sekong Province, 800 km's south of Lao's capital Vientiane, 19-year old Nouan Anong is presenting the morning news in the local radio studio. Nouan is a volunteer radio DJ with the Thatheng Ethnic Community Radio for Development (TECRD) station and presents the show in her local Ta-oi language. Read more

23 April 2011 - Assessing the economic benefits of land use changes and their impact on the environment in Oudomxay Province

In early April 2011, the National Economic Research Institute (NERI), Ministry of Planning and Investment, led a research team to conduct a survey and collect data for a study on the economic valuation of ecosystem services. The results of the survey will highlight the costs and benefits of different land use alternatives in Oudomxay Province; from forest to rubber plantation in Namor district, to maize plantation and upland rice farming in Hun district and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) collection in Beng district. Read more

6 April 2011 - New UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative presents credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative (RR), Mr. Minh Pham, presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr Thongloun Sisoulith on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Mr. Pham congratulated His Excellency on the Lao Government's work and the country's progress in development. The UN Resident Coordinator went on to pledge the continued support by the United Nations in achieving the 7th National Social Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).Read more

4 April 2011 - International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action: Tragedy highlights the importance of tackling UXO

At the National University of Laos representatives from Government, United Nations and organizations working in the UXO sector gathered to mark the 2011 International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This was the first significant gathering for those in the UXO sector since the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions held in Vientiane in November last year. Read more

8 March 2011 - International Women's Day: Closing the technological divide key for equal opportunities

On the 100th commemoration of International Women's Day the UN calls for equal access to education, training and science and technology. In Lao PDR large numbers of women miss out on such opportunities with many engaged in subsistence farming and low-skilled jobs. The informal sector also accounts for large numbers of women who own small businesses often in retail or textiles. Among the reasons for this are lack of education and opportunities in the formal sector. Read more

The Government of Luxembourg has committed 750,000 Euros to the UXO Trust Fund in support of UXO Lao operations. The funds will be distributed over a 5-year period (2011 – 2015). These will be vital resources to support the Government of Lao PDR in fulfilling its obligations under the Convention on Cluster Munitions that entered-into-force in August 2010. Read more

2 March 2011 - Ethnic leaders in Vientiane to discuss traditional customs

The leaders of 49 ethnic groups gathered at Vientiane's National Cultural Hall for a two day workshop on, ‘Ethnic Groups and Customary Laws: A Human Rights Perspective'. The event promoted an atmosphere of dialogue between central authorities and ethnic leaders to assess their role in helping Lao DPR meet its human rights obligations among ethnic communities. Read more

10 February 2011 - Micro hydro power helps achieve sustainable livelihoods among minority community

In remote Houay Ngou village, northern Lao, 48 year old Keupkku is settling down to the evening news on his new color Television. At the other side of the room two of his daughters turn on the lights to continue their studies. Just a month ago this would not have been possible. But a newly installed 7.5kW hydro power turbine now supplies electricity to the Hmong ethnic community of 290 people. Read more

4 February 2011 - UNDP to support civil society and community media in new 4-year programme

The Community Participation and Communication Support Programme (CPCSP) will launch community run district radio stations in Sekong, Xieng Khouang and Oudomxay provinces. The programme, to be implemented by the Ministry of Information and Culture, with support from the UN and Oxfam Novib, will improve access to information and promote the voices of vulnerable communities to make them active participants in the development process. Read more

13 January 2011 - UNDP hosts farewell reception for outgoing Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator

Over 200 people from the Government, diplomatic corps, UN and development partners gathered to wish Sonam Yangchen Rana well, as she leaves to take up a new post in India, after four and a half years service with the UN in Lao PDR. Read more

6 January 2011 - UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative awarded Friendship Medal

Sonam Yangchen Rana, the outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative in Lao PDR, received the Government's Medal of Friendship for her selfless efforts in working with the UN to improve the lives of the people of Lao PDR. Read more