VIENTIANE, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) convened a meeting to review the 2024 cooperation plan and set priorities for 2025, focusing on increasing local adaptation, enhancing urban planning resilience, and strengthening the capacity of provincial and district governments.
The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday, was co-chaired by Phonevanh Outhavong, Lao deputy minister of Planning and Investment, and Avi Sarkar, regional advisor for Southeast Asia and head of the UN-Habitat Office in Laos, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Friday.
The meeting aimed to review the progress of UN-Habitat projects under the 2022-2026 Partnership Plan (HCPD), identify lessons learned, and jointly set priorities for 2025. The plan aligns with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Laos' ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Speaking at the meeting, Phonevanh emphasized the alignment of UN-Habitat's initiatives with national goals, particularly in areas such as climate-resilient infrastructure, local governance, water security, and urban planning.
The meeting highlighted key UN-Habitat achievements over the past year, including establishing micro-water systems in vulnerable communities, introducing local planning tools for climate change integration, and strengthening support for local governments through training and stakeholder engagement.
It also outlined the 2025 work plan, which focuses on promoting nationwide adaptation planning, organizing the fourth Lao National Urban Forum to foster dialogue on urban development, and building adaptive capacity by supporting climate-resilient housing and infrastructure in disadvantaged communities. ■
