Co-chaired by Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister of Finance, and Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative to the Lao PDR, the 2025 programme review highlighted key achievements, milestones, and the pivotal role of the Government-UNFPA partnership in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

The meeting also outlined strategic directions for 2026, the final year of the current programme, and provided a formal consultation with government stakeholders to shape the roadmap and priorities for the upcoming 8th Lao PDR-UNFPA Joint Country Programme (2027–2031).

The event brought together senior representatives from multiple government institutions, including the Ministries of Finance, Health, Education and Sports, Foreign Affairs, Labour and Social Welfare, the Lao Statistics Bureau, the Lao Women’s Union, and the Lao Youth Union.

Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham welcomed the continued partnership, noting progress in expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, supporting survivors of gender-based violence, addressing harmful practices, and successfully conducting the 2025 Population and Housing Census.

“Today’s discussion helps translate evidence, experience, and lessons learned into forward-looking priorities that strengthen national systems and accelerate inclusive development,” he said.

UNFPA Representative Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov emphasized that under the Government’s leadership, the partnership has achieved significant milestones, including the endorsement of the Calls for Action and the establishment of a national coordination mechanism to accelerate the implementation of the National Population and Development Policy.

In sexual and reproductive health and rights, UNFPA provided technical support to expand family planning services, youth-friendly health services, and comprehensive sexuality education, enabling more women and young people to make informed decisions about their health and future.

Dr. Kadyrov also highlighted collaborative efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and harmful practices through advocacy, service delivery, and community engagement, fostering safer and more supportive environments for women and girls across Lao PDR.

A major achievement underscored during the meeting was the successful implementation of the 2025 Population and Housing Census. The findings, expected later this year, will provide high-quality data to guide national planning, policy-making, and development initiatives, ensuring evidence-based strategies that leave no one behind.

The consultation further introduced draft priorities for the upcoming 8th Country Programme (2027–2031), focusing on strengthening demographic data systems, improving health service quality, preventing gender-based violence, and investing in young people to maximize the Lao PDR’s demographic dividend.

“For more than 50 years, UNFPA has been a trusted partner of the Government of the Lao PDR. As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting the country to invest in women and young people as a driving force for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly as Lao PDR navigates a critical demographic opportunity,” Dr. Kadyrov stated.

KPL