“We recognise AI’s immense potential to modernise our economy, agriculture, education, tourism, culture and governance,” said Santisouk Simmalavong, Minister of Technology and Communications. “This assessment serves as our strategic compass, providing a blueprint for developing homegrown AI solutions that respect our cultural identity, remain globally connected, bridge the digital divide and ensure that technological progress benefits every Lao citizen.”

The announcement was made at a National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, jointly organised by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and UNESCO, in partnership with the United Nations Country Team. The event marked the official launch of the Lao PDR RAM Country Report, based on a national readiness assessment initiated in January 2025.

The RAM offers an evidence-based overview of Lao PDR’s preparedness to govern AI across key areas, including policy and regulation, institutional coordination, human capacity, infrastructure, and societal and cultural impacts. While Lao PDR has made progress in digital governance through ICT, e-government and digital economy policies, the assessment highlights ongoing challenges related to unequal access to technology, skills development and research capacity.

“Investment in research and development is fundamental to ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers real social and economic value,” said Soohyun Kim, Regional Director of UNESCO in Bangkok. “The Lao PDR’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy sets a clear and ambitious direction, including a significant increase in R&D investment by 2040. As learning and teaching evolve rapidly in a young and highly connected society, the RAM underscores the importance of a forward-looking education system. UNESCO stands ready to support the Lao PDR in translating ethical AI principles into concrete national policies and action.”

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Country Team, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR Bakhodir Burkhanov highlighted the strategic timing of the announcement as the country begins implementing its 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, where digital transformation is identified as a key driver of growth.

The RAM, he said, “provides a structured, evidence-based understanding of Lao PDR’s readiness to govern artificial intelligence — not only from a technological perspective, but also in terms of ethics, inclusion, institutional coordination and management — as the country advances its digital transformation journey.

The national workshop brought together around 250 participants, including representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, development partners, academia, the private sector and civil society. Lao PDR is among 77 countries worldwide, and eight in South-East Asia, using UNESCO’s tools to inform national AI policymaking.

KPL