UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.
On the Ground in Lao PDR
UNDP Country Office in the Lao PDR offers support to the Lao PDR Government within the context of both the common UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the Government's National Socio-economic Development Plan (NSEDP). UNDP is committed to support the Government of Lao PDR to achieve the overarching national goal of lifting the country from the ranks of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by 2020. The country's performance as measured through UNDP's Global Human Development Index (HDI) has shown consistent improvement since 1993. Lao PDR is currently ranked 133th out of 182 countries, classified in the "Medium Human Development" category.
News
Updates on Typhoon Ketsana relief and recovery in Lao PDR here.
15 January 2010 - Strengthening the country's capacity to address and prepare for Disasters:
UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare inaugurate new project
On Thursday 14 January Mr. Laoly Faiphengyoa, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, signed and formally initiated a UNDP-supported project to assist the institutional strengthening and capacity development on disaster risk management in this country. The ‘Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Development on Disaster Risk Management in Lao PDR' Project has a budget close to US$1 million, and is the first ever fully-fledged UNDP project in support of disaster risk management capacity development in the Lao PDR. As Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted, “Today marks the beginning of a very timely and comprehensive initiative to meet the needs of the Government and people of Laos in disaster risk mitigation and for more effective responses and coordination.“ [read more]
22 December 2009 - Voice of Lao Community Radio features at Mekong Media Forum
UNDP-supported Khoun Community Radio for Development participated in the recent Mekong Media Forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The current situation of community radio and its potential for being ‘radio for the people, by the people' in Lao PDR was the highlight of a satellite session held on 10 December 2009 at Forum. The session, with the theme ‘Empowering Local People Through Community Radio', was hosted by UNDP/ Khoun Community Radio together with the Ministry of Information and Culture and Xieng Khouang Province Department of Information and Culture. [Video on Youtube]
17 December 2009 - UN Staff in Lao PDR present donations for Ketsana affected communities
On 17 December 2009, representatives of staff working in United Nations agencies in the Lao PDR presented donations of 8.5 million Kip and 11 cartons of materials to the Lao Red Cross for distribution to Ketsana affected communities.
The donations were made by national and international staff working in the many organisations that make up the United Nations Country Team, and collected on the occasion of UN Staff Day in October 2009.
Many United Nations staff have close personal and professional connections within the areas that have been affected by the devastating storms and floods that Ketsana brought to the worst affected communities, and they are aware of the damage to families' livelihoods and development projects in the area.
“We all wanted to express our concern for and solidarity with the victims in the most concrete way, by providing resources to help these communities rebuild their lives,” explained Mrs Chanthavisouk Nirasay, Staff Association Committee representative.
The UN Staff Association Committees selected the Lao Red Cross as recipient of the donations, who will ensure that the staff members' contribution will go to the much needed victims in the southern provinces and will provide a report on the beneficiaries and the services provided to them.
08 December 2009 - Human Rights Day 2009: Embrace diversity, end discrimination
Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” . These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe. [read more]
30 November 2009 - LAO Delegation ready for COP 15 Negotiations in Copenhagen
From 19 to 20 November 2009 the climate change office of Department of Environment, WREA, with support from UNDP/UNEP and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation ( SDC ) and with technical assistance from SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and SUFORD (World Bank), has conducted a Special Briefing Meeting of the Lao delegation for COP15; the upcoming UN Climate Change Negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009. Read more
24 November 2009 - Supporting participatory wetland management in Attapeu Province
On November 24, 2009 in Attapeu Province, the Government of the Lao PDR conducted the Inception Workshop for the Participatory Wetland Management in Attapeu (Support to Lao PDR Water and Wetland Policy - LWP) project, which will be implemented by the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) in Attapeu.[Read more]
19 November 2009 - Voice of Lao Community Radio to be heard at Mekong Media Forum
The current situation of community radio and its potential for being ‘radio for the people, by the people' in Lao PDR will be the highlight of a satellite session to be held Dec. 10, 2009 at the Mekong Media Forum, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The session, with the theme ‘Empowering Local People Through Community Radio', is being hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Laos, together with the Ministry of Information and Culture of Laos and Xiengkhouang Province Department of Information and Culture. [read more]
05 November 2009 - “Realising the Opportunities Ahead” at the 9 th Round Table Implementation Meeting
The 9 th Round Table Implementation Meeting was held in Vientiane on 3 November, attended by Ambassadors and senior dignitaries from 64 countries and by representatives of development partner organizations. The Process, implemented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Department of International Cooperation supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has the objective to further improve the effectiveness of international assistance, in line with the Vientiane Declaration, for key development issues in the Lao PDR.
The Meeting was opened by His Excellency Mr. Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, as, he outlined “the appropriate forum for the exchange of in-depth and constructive dialogue on how we can best deal with the adverse impact and the emerging challenges so that we can create enabling conditions of the Lao PDR to pursue its development path in a more consistent and sustainable manner.” [read more]
23 October 2009 - Climate Change – the challenge for our times – is the theme at the celebration of United Nations Day 2009 at UN House, Vientiane
The UN Country Team in Lao PDR hosted a ceremony at UN House in Vientiane on 23 October celebrating the 64th anniversary of the United Nations and 54 years of UN-Lao cooperation.
The opening address to the audience of government members, the diplomatic community and development partners was given by Her Excellency Mrs. Pany Yathotou, Vice-President of the National Assembly.
Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana, United Nations Resident Coordinator, emphasised that the theme of this year's UN Day – Climate Change – is a challenge that is inextricably linked with achieving the MDGs and creating a better life for everyone in Lao PDR. “At this difficult time for the country,” she noted, “with communities in the south suffering from the impact of floods caused by tropical storms, it is a timely reminder that such extreme weather events are likely to happen more often as the climate changes.” [read more]
22 October 09 - Lao students create a world stage in Vientiane to debate one of the great challenges of our time: Model UN Security Council Simulation on Climate Change
To promote understanding of the United Nations System and its relationship with the Lao PDR among young people, as part of the commemorations for UN Day 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator organised a United Nations Security Council Simulation event on Thursday 22 October at ICTC. Participating delegations representing the current member countries of the Security Council consisted of 45 students in their fourth year at the National University of Laos: Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Department of International Relations. The topic of the Security Council debate was one of the great challenges of our time – climate change as an issue of peace and security. [read more]
22 October 2009 - Lao PDR appeals for $10 million to rebuild lives and communities after Typhoon Ketsana devastation
The Government of the Lao PDR and the United Nations today launched a flash appeal to the international community for funds to assist recovery for the southern provinces devastated by Typhoon Ketsana after it struck southern Laos on the 29th September. To support the Government's relief actions, the humanitarian community is seeking $10,153,872 to address the immediate needs of an estimated 178,000 people who lost homes, livelihoods or other property in the devastation. [read more]
16 October 2009 - Achieving food security in times of crisis
This year on 16 October, World Food Day, the UN in partnership with the Government of the Lao PDR is highlighting the challenge of Achieving food security in times of crisis .
World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October are combined in one event at the National Cultural Hall, as food security and nutrition contribute to the eradication of poverty and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
Food insecurity and malnutrition are both outcomes and causes of poverty, as hunger perpetuates poverty and hunger makes people more vulnerable to diseases. Chronically malnourished children cannot develop their physical and intellectual potential and this affects their chances throughout the rest of their life.
It is widely recognized in Lao PDR that good nutrition and food security are central to development and poverty reduction, and the new National Nutrition Policy highlights the commitment of the government to ensure that all Lao citizens can claim their fundamental right to be free from hunger.
The following week is designated as Poverty Eradication Week, with a series of events taking place in Vientiane.
14 October 2009 - NSEDP National Workshop on Managing Climate, Environment and Natural Resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Exit Least-Developed Country (LDC) status
On October the 14 th 2009, experts from around the region shared experiences and knowledge with the Government of the Lao PDR during a national workshop on Managing Climate, Environment and Natural Resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Exit Least-Developed Country (LDC) status, supported by the UNDP/UNEP Poverty Environment Initiative (PEI).
he challenges confronting Lao PDR related to the environment and climate change are diverse and will significantly impact the achievement of the Government goals to exit LDC status by 2020. For this reason, it is of critical importance that these issues be considered in more detail, ensuring that lessons and knowledge from around the region are shared with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and reflected upon in the 7th Plan. Read more
30 September 2009 - Lao PDR joins international fight against corruption
On 25 September 2009, the Government of the Lao PDR deposited the instrument of ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) with the Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Lao PDR together commended the Government of the Lao PDR for taking this vital step towards combating the devastating effects of corruption. [read more]
29 September 2009 - Lao PDR joins international community with three key human rights treaties
VIENTIANE – BANGKOK - The United Nations has welcomed the Government of the Lao PDR in joining the international community in its commitment to ensure the further realization of civil and political rights, the rights of people with disabilities and protection against corruption, after its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) during the session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Read more
29 September 2009 - Finding Local Solutions to Environmental Issues - Launch of the Small Grants Programme in Lao PDR
On 29 September 2009, the UNDP-Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) was launched in Lao PDR. The global Small Grants Programme, founded in 1992 and operating in 120 countries, is rooted in the belief that global environmental problems can best be addressed by involving local people and by generating community benefits and ownership. [read more]
25 September 2009 -Minimising the Social and Environmental Impacts of Investments in Lao PDR - Inception Workshop of the Investment Component of the Poverty Environment Initiative (PEI)
On September 25 2009 the Government of the Lao PDR conducted the Inception Workshop for Investments in Lao PDR: Minimising the Social and Environmental Impacts, a new project implemented by the Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment as part of the United Nations Development Programme/ United Nations Environment Programme Poverty Environment Initiative. [read more]
18 September 2009 - Strengthening Negotiating Skills to Seal a Deal on Climate Change for Lao PDR
Climate change is one of the most important challenges ever to confront humanity, and no issue is more fundamental to long-term global prosperity. Any new agreement on climate change issues finalized at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009 - the most important climate change conference since the groundbreaking gathering in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan - will have a significant impact on the development of Lao PDR and the potential impacts of climate change.
From 16 to 18 September 2009 the Climate Change Office of WREA, with support from UNDP / UNEP and technical assistance from SNV, conducted an intensive training workshop in Vientiane to support the preparation of the Lao delegation to Copenhagen to develop and strengthen their national position, and strengthen negotiation skills to participate actively in Sealing a Deal on Climate Change. [read more]
10 September 2009 - The European Commission and the United Nations join together in supporting the Lao National Assembly
The Delegation of the European Commission and the United Nations entered into an important new partnership today in support of the Lao National Assembly.
Mr. Henry Prankerd, Chargé d'Affaires of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lao PDR, and Mrs. Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, exchanged signed copies of their financial agreement under which the Commission will contribute 1,100,000 Euros (US$ 1,580,000) towards the total four-year budget of US$ 4,125,000 for the Joint Programme of Support to an Effective Lao National Assembly (SELNA). The programme budget, including the EC contribution will be mannaged by UNDP on behalf of all programme partners. ‘read more'
10 September 2009 - The European Commission and UNDP work together to enhance Lao PDR's participation in the international legal system
The Delegation of the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) entered into an important new partnership today in support of the development of international law in the Lao PDR.
Mr. Henry Prankerd, Chargé d'Affaires of the Delegation of the European Commission to Lao PDR, and Mrs. Sonam Yangchen Rana, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, exchanged signed copies of their financial agreement under which the Commission will contribute 500,000 Euros (US$ 724,000) towards the International Law Project Phase III - ‘Accelerated Capacity Development for the Lao PDR in International Law'.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chargé d'Affaires Henry Prankerd said: "We are very pleased to work with UNDP and the Government to strengthen the rule of law and to help Lao PDR function as a fully-fledged member of the international and regional communities" ‘read more'
Lao PDR
UNDP and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare inaugurate new project
On 17 December 2009, representatives of staff working in United Nations agencies in the Lao PDR presented donations of 8.5 million Kip and 11 cartons of materials to the Lao Red Cross for distribution to Ketsana affected communities. 
Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” . These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe. 
From 19 to 20 November 2009 the climate change office of Department of Environment, WREA, with support from UNDP/UNEP and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation ( SDC ) and with technical assistance from SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and SUFORD (World Bank), has conducted a Special Briefing Meeting of the Lao delegation for COP15; the upcoming UN Climate Change Negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009. 
On November 24, 2009 in Attapeu Province, the Government of the Lao PDR conducted the Inception Workshop for the Participatory Wetland Management in Attapeu (Support to Lao PDR Water and Wetland Policy - LWP) project, which will be implemented by the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO) in Attapeu.[
The current situation of community radio and its potential for being ‘radio for the people, by the people' in Lao PDR will be the highlight of a satellite session to be held Dec. 10, 2009 at the Mekong Media Forum, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The session, with the theme ‘Empowering Local People Through Community Radio', is being hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Laos, together with the Ministry of Information and Culture of Laos and Xiengkhouang Province Department of Information and Culture. .jpg)
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The 9 th Round Table Implementation Meeting was held in Vientiane on 3 November, attended by Ambassadors and senior dignitaries from 64 countries and by representatives of development partner organizations. The Process, implemented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Department of International Cooperation supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has the objective to further improve the effectiveness of international assistance, in line with the Vientiane Declaration, for key development issues in the Lao PDR. 
The UN Country Team in Lao PDR hosted a ceremony at UN House in Vientiane on 23 October celebrating the 64th anniversary of the United Nations and 54 years of UN-Lao cooperation.
To promote understanding of the United Nations System and its relationship with the Lao PDR among young people, as part of the commemorations for UN Day 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office of the Resident Coordinator organised a United Nations Security Council Simulation event on Thursday 22 October at ICTC. Participating delegations representing the current member countries of the Security Council consisted of 45 students in their fourth year at the National University of Laos: Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Department of International Relations. The topic of the Security Council debate was one of the great challenges of our time – climate change as an issue of peace and security. 
On October the 14 th 2009, experts from around the region shared experiences and knowledge with the Government of the Lao PDR during a national workshop on Managing Climate, Environment and Natural Resources to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Exit Least-Developed Country (LDC) status, supported by the UNDP/UNEP Poverty Environment Initiative (PEI). .jpg)
Climate change is one of the most important challenges ever to confront humanity, and no issue is more fundamental to long-term global prosperity. Any new agreement on climate change issues finalized at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009 - the most important climate change conference since the groundbreaking gathering in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan - will have a significant impact on the development of Lao PDR and the potential impacts of climate change. 
The Delegation of the European Commission and the United Nations entered into an important new partnership today in support of the Lao National Assembly. 
The Delegation of the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) entered into an important new partnership today in support of the development of international law in the Lao PDR. 
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