(KPL)The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and national and international partners, on March 21, 2025 held a consultation meeting on the establishment of Population Policy Coordination Committee (PPCC)—a strategic body designed to ensure the effective implementation of the National Population and Development Policy (NPDP) 2019–2030, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and monitoring progress on the International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action (ICPD PoA).

The establishment of the PPCC will mark a significant step forward in the Lao PDR’s efforts to place population and development at the core of national planning and to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development as the country advances toward graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC).

With 60% of the population under the age of 25, the country is experiencing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime demographic window of opportunity. Key priority areas of the PPCC will include reproductive health, demographic transition, youth empowerment, ageing, and the strategic harnessing of the demographic dividend. Seizing this opportunity through coordinated, multisectoral action is essential to drive inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind. The NPDP, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitments made at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25), provides a comprehensive framework to address critical issues such as reproductive health, youth development, gender equality, ageing, migration, and population data. 

"The establishment of the Population Policy Coordination Committee (PPCC) reflects our government’s strong commitment to integrating population dynamics into our development priorities. This initiative is the result of fruitful national dialogue and valuable regional exchange with Cambodia. By enhancing coordination among ministries, provinces, and partners, the PPCC will serve as a powerful platform to translate our National Population and Development Policy (NPDP 2019–2030) into meaningful action. We believe this mechanism will not only ensure effective implementation but also help maximize the demographic dividend, support gender equality, and improve the wellbeing of every citizen in Lao PDR. With collaboration across all sectors, we are confident that this committee will help us move closer to our 2030 development vision."  Ms. Phonevanh Outhavong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment

This initiative is one of the 14 key recommendations and call for actions from the 1st National Conference on Population and Development (NCPD) held in October 2023 and aligns with commitments made at the 7th Asian and Pacific Population Conference (November 2023) and the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (April, 2024).

In addition, earlier this year, a high-level Lao PDR delegation conducted a study visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia to exchange experiences on establishing a special committee to coordinate the implementation of Cambodia’s strategic framework for the ICPD PoA. Building on the study visit’s recommendations and experience, DIC and Planning Department of MPI, with UNFPA’s support, initiated the development of the ToR and Concept Note for the PPCC. To ensure these documents are well-adapted to the Lao context and effectively implemented, this consultation was organized to seek input from all sectors for their review and finalization.

The PPCC will serve as the central platform for coordination, policy integration, monitoring, and resource mobilization across government ministries, mass organizations, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. Its overarching objectives include:

● Facilitating collaboration among sectors involved in NPDP implementation

● Integrating population dynamics into all levels of national development planning

● Overseeing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework

● Mobilizing resources and advocating for population and development priorities

● Promoting knowledge sharing and data use to guide evidence-based decisions

"Establishing the Population Policy Coordination Committee is a timely and strategic step toward strengthening national mechanisms for the implementation of the Population and Development Policy. By fostering collaboration across sectors and aligning with the Lao PDR’s national priorities and international commitments, the PPCC will help ensure more effective coordination, monitoring, and resource mobilization. It also provides an opportunity to build a shared understanding of population issues and advance evidence-based planning that benefits all people, especially the most vulnerable. UNFPA remains committed to supporting this process and to working closely with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and all partners to translate policy into tangible progress."  Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative, the Lao PDR.

The committee will be chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and will include representatives from all line ministries, provincial and district authorities, mass organizations, NGOs, and international agencies. A dedicated Secretariat will support its operation and ensure effective communication, coordination, and follow-up.

KPL