KPL
The Lao government and the United Nations have taken another step toward strengthening their development partnership by reviewing a new five-year cooperation framework that will guide joint efforts from 2027 to 2031.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office co-hosted a special meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on July 23 to discuss the draft Lao PDR-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2027–2031 and its new Terms of Reference.
The meeting was co-chaired by Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, with representatives from government ministries and UN agencies in attendance.
Participants reviewed the draft framework to ensure it aligns with the Government's development priorities, including the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Laos' preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. They also discussed revisions to the committee's Terms of Reference, including broader institutional participation and strengthened coordination mechanisms.
Anouparb said the meeting was an important step toward finalizing the framework before its planned signing in August 2026.
Burkhanov said the new UNSDCF will serve as the UN's strategic roadmap in Laos, helping mobilize financial and technical support from the UN system and development partners.
The framework identifies three strategic goals and 10 priority areas to support the country's long-term sustainable development objectives.
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