Vang Vieng, Lao PDR – The National Assembly of the Lao PDR hosted a policy dialogue on key economic and social issues from 8 to 11 November 2024 in Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province. The dialogue, organized ahead of its 8th Ordinary Session with the support of UNDP STEPS project, offered a platform for NA members to engage with experts from United Nations agencies and the World Bank in Lao PDR, as well as with representatives from Government agencies. 

Key topics included the formulation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, graduation from Least Developed Country status, macro​​​​​​economic challenges, social protection, climate change, trafficking, migration, public health​,​ and education.  

The 4-day event was opened by Hon. Dr. Sounthone Xayyachack, Vice President of the National Assembly.​     ​ 

“The National Assembly is committed to collaborating with Development Partners and the Government of Laos to tackle the most pressing development challenges in Lao PDR,” said Hon. Dr. Sounthone, emphasizing the importance of development cooperation in parliamentary strengthening. 

Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator for Lao PDR, Ms. Martine Thérer, UNDP Resident Representative and Dr. Kevin Smith, USAID​, ​Acting Country Representative​ to Laos, also spoke on the first day​. 

Mr. Burkhanov stressed that “Strong, effective, and informed parliaments are foundational to accelerating and achieving sustainable development,” adding that “We highly value our ongoing collaboration with the National Assembly and fully support your efforts to advance policies that are responsive, effective and meet the needs of all people in Lao PDR.”  

“This dialogue platform offers you a space to deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Lao PDR. It is an opportunity for you to consider how successful initiatives and best practices from the region and beyond could be adapted to the Lao context to shape the policy responses and solutions that can advance the country’s national development agenda,” emphasized Ms. Thérer.  

Dr​.​ Smith ​highlighted the expanding partnership between USAID and the National Assembly. ​“USAID is proud to partner with ​UNDP and ​​the ​National Assembly of Lao PDR to strengthen the capacity of parliamentarians at the national and subnational level​,​​” remarked Dr. Smith.​ ​“​We are pleased to support this timely dialogue​,​ which will offer comprehensive policy analysis and recommendations on pressing economic and social issues facing Lao PDR.”  

​​UNDP is a long-term partner of the National Assembly. The​ USAID-supported ​​project “Strengthening Capacity and Effectiveness of the People’s Assembly System in Lao PDR” (​STEPS​) ​is a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening the parliamentary system in Lao PDR. ​