Lao PDR

Understanding and promoting Lao PDR human development

Fundamental to enlarging choices in Lao PDR is helping the poor to increase their prospects for wealth and happiness. At its most basic level, this means making it easier for people to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the community. 

UNDP is committed to reducing poverty and promoting quality growth. In order to do this in a strategic manner, it is important to understand the state of poverty in the country so we can advocate for change from the government and population. By both contributing to the debate on alternative approaches and helping to develop shared visions, UNDP seeks to inform decision-makers, as well as raise public awareness and introduce the human development concept into policy dialogue through high-quality and independent analysis.  

UNDP's main tools for achieving these aims are the National Human Development Reports (NHDRs) . These are designed to provide a balanced measure of human progress by analysing both economic growth and social development, as well as strengthening Lao PDR statistical and analytical capacity, and constitute a vehicle for the realization of the goals set at the Millennium Declaration.  

First Report: Explaining the Concept

The first NHDR for Lao PDR entitled “National Human Development Report 1998” , explains the concept and importance of human development. Its most significance contribution is that for the first time it presents a picture of the state of human development in the country as of 1996, thus providing a baseline for future developmental measurements. The Report also explains some of the initiatives undertaken by the Government to improve the state of human development and refers to the national plans. It also compares the development situation with that of other ASEAN countries and puts Lao PDR in a general regional perspective.

The Report was launched in March 1999, during a seminar that was attended by a high level delegation of government, international organizations and independent experts. The concept of human development was for many a new one, but it was well received and the potential for the periodical publication of a NHDR was accepted. From the many recommendations that were gathered during the seminar and through subsequent facilitation missions by experts, an approach was devised to continue the sequence with an improved second NHDR.

Second report: In-Depth Look at the Different Aspects of Rural Society

The second NHDR (2002), “ Advancing Rural Development”, takes an in-depth look at the different aspects of rural society. Where 80% of the population lives in rural areas, the report gives an important analysis of agricultural systems from wet rice paddies to uplands forestry and looks at the impact of opium and unexploded ordnance development. It also assesses the strengths and weaknesses of current government policies towards rural development and concludes that decentralization is a key element to ensure their success. The Report also includes some interesting chapters on ecology and the ethnic diversity of Lao PDR.

Third Report: Concentrating on International Trade

The third NHDR on International Trade and Human Development was released at the Round Table meeting, 28 -29 November 2006. This NHDR recommends the "best path to take that will simultaneously boost trade and human development. The report shows that under the right conditions, increasing international integration and trade in the Lao PDR could play a vital role in the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and in the country's graduation out of Least Developed Country status by 2020. However, ensuring that trade leads to meaningful and sustainable improvements in people's lives is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Greater openness to trade offers significant opportunities for human development, although it also has the potential to widen existing inequalities. Concerted efforts on the part of Government are required to ensure that the benefits from international trade accrue to all and are equitably distributed. Click here for the English and Lao version of the third NHDR.

Fourth Report: Employment and Livelihoods

The fourth N HDR on Employment and Livelihoods in Lao PDR was launched on June 23 rd 2010. This NHDR report provides a set of recommendations on how to improve the human development in Lao PDR through employment, by: Improving people's livelihoods through more and better jobs in the non farm sector; Raising employability through initiatives targeting vocational training centers and non formal education; Improving rural incomes, by addressing issues such as agricultural land availability and agricultural productivity; Promoting decent work and ensure social safety nets are available to migrant workers; and investing in people from the very beginning through an improved formal education system, and the promotion of good health. Click here for the English and Lao version of the fourth NHDR.

Global and Regional Human Development Reports

UNDP also publishes the Global Human Development Reports (HDR) to high light key development issues. The 2009 Global HDR “Overcoming barriers: Human mobility and development” investigates migration in the context of demographic changes and trends in both growth and inequality. It also presents more detailed and nuanced individual, family and village experiences, and explores less visible movements typically pursued by disadvantaged groups such as short term and seasonal migration. Click here to access the report.

The 2010 Asia-Pacific HDR, “ Power, Voices and Rights : A Turning Point for Gender Equality in Asia and the Pacific” focuses on the critical question of advancing gender equality, as seen through the prism of women's unequal power, voice, and rights. Despite the region's many economic gains, the Report chronicles how in many instances women across the region continue to be held back and disadvantaged. Even as many women have benefited from their countries' improved education, health, and prosperity, they continue to face barriers to the same opportunities available to men. Click here to access the report.