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Lao authorities and international development partners convened on February 3, 2026, to review progress and set priorities for upgrading dam safety nationwide, reinforcing efforts to protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
(KPL) Lao authorities and international development partners convened on February 3, 2026, to review progress and set priorities for upgrading dam safety nationwide, reinforcing efforts to protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
The Joint Steering Committee meeting for the Technical Assistance and Regulatory Program on Dam Safety was organized by the Department of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and co-chaired by Mr. Phetsavanh Lattanathongxay, Director General of the Department of Energy, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Mr. Beyon Chan, Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Representatives from relevant ministries, the Lao Dam Association, and Helvetas Laos also attended the meeting.
Participants reviewed progress in upgrading dam safety and discussed key priorities for 2026, focusing on strengthening dam inspection and management, improving emergency preparedness and response systems, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and continuing capacity development for technical personnel. The meeting also discussed extending the project implementation period without additional budget to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Beyon Chan reaffirmed Switzerland’s role as a long-term development partner, emphasizing capacity building and the provision of technical tools to support the Lao government in ensuring dam safety as a foundation for sustainable development, while protecting communities living around dams and the surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Phetsavanh Lattanathongxay expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their constructive contributions, noting that the shared views—particularly on management, infrastructure development, and environmental and community protection—will provide valuable guidance for relevant agencies in further strengthening dam safety in the future.
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