(KPL) A technical meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) for the Lao PDR-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 was held on April 2 in Vientiane, marking the launch of the 2024 Annual Results Report. The report, presented at the meeting, outlines the collective efforts of 25 UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Lao PDR, aligned with the 9th National Socio-economic Development Plan, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and National SDG 18.

Co-chaired by Ms. Moukdavanh Sisoulith, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator, the first JSC meeting of 2025 brought together representatives from key ministries and UN agencies. The discussions focused on achievements in key areas such as people's well-being, inclusive prosperity, governance and rule of law, and environmental resilience—four strategic priorities outlined under the Cooperation Framework.

The 2024 Annual Results Report highlights key trends and impacts on socio-economic development, national and international policies, and on-the-ground efforts that accelerated progress. Human interest stories illustrate the success of policies and programs, such as farmers adopting sustainable agriculture practices, teachers improving learning outcomes, and communities rebuilding after climate shocks. In total, the UN Country Team delivered $86.7 million in projects across all provinces, integrating policy engagement, technical expertise, and service delivery to ensure no one is left behind in Lao PDR's development.

Despite challenges, the report highlights significant progress across several sectors, including the fight against diseases like malaria and measles, digital learning initiatives that improved education outcomes for remote children, and expanded access to clean water and sanitation. Other key developments included the scaling up of protection services for gender-based violence survivors, social protection schemes for vulnerable populations, and increased efforts to clear UXO-contaminated land. The UN also supported critical national policies, including the Lao PDR’s transition strategy for LDC graduation, health and education reforms, and strategies to address migration, food systems transformation, and climate change.

Additionally, the report notes the UN’s contributions to the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, including the visit of the UN Secretary-General for the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit.

The meeting also set the strategic direction for 2025, emphasizing the need for more joint efforts, greater coherence, and increased efficiencies in addressing emerging development challenges. UN agencies outlined their strategic priorities for the year, including new areas of focus such as youth engagement, digitalization, food systems transformation, green financing, climate mitigation, and social protection.

Director-General Moukdavanh Sisoulith highlighted the JSC's pivotal role in guiding the planning and implementation of UN support for the NSEDP, LDC graduation, and other key policy initiatives. UN Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov reinforced the importance of the JSC as a platform for strengthening UN-Government collaboration, stating, “Amidst all the challenges, the 2024 Annual Results Report highlights the progress that we have made together. The UN Country Team is committed to supporting the Government of the Lao PDR to accelerate progress towards sustainable development and to build a more resilient future for all.”

KPL