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The Department of Environment, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Australian Government, held a national seminar to coordinate Laos’ climate priorities ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
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The event was attended by Ms. Chanthakhone Boulaphan, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment; Ms. Oya Yazar, Ambassador of Türkiye to the Lao PDR, Ms. Ayshanie Medagangoda Labe, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR; Ms. Pranjali Palnitkar, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and Deputy Head of Mission of Australia to the Lao PDR; and Ms. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in the Lao PDR, along with representatives from various ministries, government agencies, embassies, international organisations and development partners.
The seminar aimed to strengthen understanding of upcoming climate negotiations and help government agencies and development partners develop a coordinated national position.
COP31 is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, 2026. Key issues expected to feature at the conference include climate finance, adaptation and resilience, the transition to clean energy, and implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Participants discussed key negotiating priorities and opportunities to advance Laos’ climate agenda through international cooperation and partnerships. Breakout sessions, supported by UN-Habitat, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, covered agriculture and food security, climate-resilient cities and zero waste, clean energy transition, climate action implementation mechanisms, and youth, inclusion and health.
Participants identified resource mobilisation, stronger institutional capacity, improved access to technology and greater resilience to climate impacts as priorities for Laos. They also emphasised the need to align international climate negotiations with the country’s national development objectives.
The seminar highlighted the importance of stronger coordination among government agencies and development partners, improved access to climate finance and expanded international partnerships to translate climate commitments into practical action.
As Laos prepares for COP31, these efforts are expected to help align national priorities with global climate commitments and support a more resilient, sustainable and low-emission development pathway.
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