Lao PDR

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

Video: Lao PDR Flash Appeal 2009

Lao PDR Flash Appeal 2009 (PDF)

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.

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'

10 August 2009 - Celebrating Lao PDR's ethnic diversity on the International Day of the World's Indigenous People

A celebration marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous People was held in Vientiane on Monday 10 August 2009. For the Lao PDR, this International Day is particularly significant because, together, no fewer than 49 ethnic groups represent the rich human diversity and the cultural heritage of the country.

Read more

22 June 2009 - UNDP supporting access to justice

As Mr. Dirk Wagener, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative and Head of Governance Unit emphasized in his opening remarks to the Access to Justice Survey Workshop in Vientiane on 22 June, Access to Justice is a basic human right as well as an indispensable means to combat poverty and to prevent or resolve conflicts. It is the ability of people to seek and obtain a remedy for their grievances through formal or informal institutions and mechanisms of justice.  It is also about ensuring that judicial outcomes are just and equitable. With strong linkages between democratic governance, poverty reduction and access to justice, UNDP support to access to justice is at the centre of its global mandate to eradicate poverty and to advance human development. Current UNDP support in Lao PDR to the Lao Bar Association Access to Justice Project has seen public legal education and legal aid services dispensed to people across the country. The aim of this new survey, along with the Customary Law survey taking place later this year, is to build on such initiatives. Read More.

5 June 2009 - In order to raise public awareness about climate change and other environment problems which happening both in Lao PDR and globally, and to increase people's participation in environmental conservation activities in their own communities, UNDP Lao PDR was a partner with the Water Resource and Environment Administration (WREA) in staging activities for communities and young people for World Environment Day: UNite to Combat Climate Change. Read More.

The Global Photography Campaign launched on 1 June 2009 aims to promote and showcase examples of people winning the battle against poverty, social exclusion and marginalization, bringing answers to the questions above. Read More.

21 May 2009 - Launch of the National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA) and the National Capacity Needs Self Assessment (NCSA) for Global Environment Management

On May 21 2009, the Water Resource and Environment Administration (WREA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change (NAPA) and the National Capacity Needs Self Assessment (NCSA) for Global Environment Management. These two projects have been implemented by WREA, supported by UNDP, and have received funding from the Global Environment Facility and the Least Developed Country Fund. They have enabled Government to, firstly, identify key priorities for adapting to climate change in the Lao PDR and, secondly, prioritize capacity needs to strengthen implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Read more.

19 May 2009 - UNDP and WREA celebrate 4 years of progress towards Strengthened Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Lao PDR is party to ten global multilateral environmental agreements, providing a framework for the country to cooperate with the international community in the protection of the global environment. Through issues including climate change, biological diversity, world cultural and natural heritage, the Kyoto Protocol and the international trade in endangered species, this global participation is an opportunity for the nation to seek financial and technical assistance to support the environmental protection activities required to ensure sustainable development.

15 May 2009 - To further support the implementation of the Vientiane Declaration, DIC and UNDP enter new partnership to build and develop national capacities for management of development programmes

On Friday 15 May 2009, the Department for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Planningand UNDP signed a new 3-year agreement at a ceremony in Vientiane. The Capacity Development for National Implementation 2009 2011 agreement was signed by Mr Somchit Inthamith, Director General of DIC/MPI, and Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, UNDP Resident Representative in the Lao PDR. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new initiative, to which UNDP will allocate USD 1.5 million over three years. Read more.

12 May 2009 - UNDP support for Decree enabling local not-for-profit associations

The UNDP Resident Representative in the Lao PDR, Ms Sonam Yangchen Rana, congratulated the Government on its significant new Decree on Associations, which for the first time will allow local not-for-profit associations to register and operate independently. UNDP has supported PACSA in the decree drafting process since 2006, and has also provided complementary support in increasing understanding of civil society within government, exposure to international examples, and raising awareness in the provinces and community. The Decree, signed on 29 April 2009 by the Prime Minister H. E. Bouasone Bouphavanh, becomes effective in November. Read more.

11 April 2009 - United Nations Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon made an official visit to the Lao PDR on April 10th and 11th, the first by any Secretary-General in nearly a quarter of a century.

Speaking at the newly-completed UN House in Vientiane where the UNDP Country Office now works, Mr Ban Ki-moon said that he is optimistic that the Lao PDR will meet its national development goals - to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by its target date of 2020. Mr Ban Ki-moon said the government was to be congratulated for its commitment to achieving the MDGs, and the steady progress it had made in improving health, education and living standards. However he also stressed the scale of the challenges still to be addressed. Read more.

Photos from the visit of the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon. Click for the full-size picture.

Read more at UN Lao PDR website here.

11 April 2009 - The MDG Progress Report was launched during the visit of UN Secretary-General Mr Ban-Ki-moon. Read the executive summary here.