Lao PDR

Somsanouk Mixay, Vice President, Lao Journalists Association, launches the inaugural Human Development Media Awards,: UNDP Lao PDR/Toby Fricker

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.

Mr. Somsanouk Mixay, Vice President, Lao Journalists Association, launched the Human Development Media Awards 2011 today at a ceremony at Don Chan Palace Hotel. The event also marked the Lao PDR launch of the global Human Development Report 2011 with Mr. Minh H. Pham, UNDP Resident Representative, handing over the report to Dr Bounthavy Sisouphanthong, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The Media Awards will recognize work that makes a significant contribution to the Lao peoples understanding of the human development concept and in particular the issues of sustainability and equity. The Human Development concept is about putting people at the centre of development. The Media Awards encourages Lao journalists to put people at the centre of their stories.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, Mr. Somsanouk Mixay said, “The Lao media are in a unique position to further the rights and opportunities of people through access to information. An effective and engaged media will encourage debate across the country on issues related to Human Development.”

The top three stories, judged by representatives from the Lao media, National Economic Research Institute (NERI) and UNDP, will win cash prizes of Kip 4,000,000, 2,500,000, and 1,500,000. The stories can be written in Lao or English and should be no longer than 4-pages or 1,000 words in English. The deadline for entries is December 7th.

Human Development is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive and creative lives. It is about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value.

The Human Development Index value (HDI) is calculated by taking into account the combined indicators of life expectancy, education and income. The HDI statistic as a result covers both social and economic development. The inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) was first introduced in 2010 and reflects inequality in every aspect addressed by the HDI.

The global Human Development Reports are published annually with National Human Development Reports produced every four years. The last one in Lao PDR was launched in 2010 and was titled, Employment and Livelihoods.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Somsanouk Mixay, Tel: 020 2248 6000, email: mixay@hotmail.com

or

Toby Fricker at UNDP, Tel: 020 5426 2697, email: toby.fricker@undp.org

Please visit the link below for more information

Information on the Human Development Media Awards 2011

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 177 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.