Vientiane Capital and Pakse City, Lao PDR: The Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF) 2025 is set to convene on Monday, 6^th October 2025 at Souphattra Hotel in Vientiane Capital and on Friday, 17^th October 2025 at Champasak University in Pakse City, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable urban development in Lao PDR and reflects the growing recognition of cities as transformative forces to align with the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. Day 1 of the Forum in Vientiane on Monday, 6^th October 2025, is expected to be honoured by the presence of the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, accompanied by senior Ministers, Governors representing all 18 provinces, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR among other senior delegates and key stakeholders.

Background

Urbanization is both a challenge and an opportunity and to support this transformation, the Lao PDR government and development partners are actively working to address the pressing urban challenges and harness the opportunities presented by urbanization for more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments.

Through inclusive dialogues, the LNUF 2025 is set to empower cities and communities to build resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban future. UN-Habitat supports the Government of Lao PDR under this important LNUF platform that brings together diverse viewpoints and expertise to promote urban transformation and sustainable development initiatives across cities and communities in the country.

Purpose and Theme

This year, LNUF 2025 will broaden its reach to Pakse City, mobilizing 100 volunteers to drive urban crisis response and SDG localization in Lao PDR through collaboration with the University of Champasak. This sub-national dialogue will pay particular attention to issues such as tourism-driven urbanization through local urban planning and management. Under the main theme, Urban Crisis Response, LNUF 2025 focuses on critical and practical responses to climate hazards, disaster preparedness, and developing long-term urban resilience for communities across Lao PDR.

Objectives

1. Provide a Platform for Dialogue
   Enable conversations among government bodies, civil society, private sector, development partners, and community stakeholders to promote integrated and participatory urban planning.
2. Promote Youth and Community Engagement
   Harness the energy, creativity, and perspectives of young people and grassroots communities to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals.
3. Support SDG Localization
   Align urban development initiatives with SDG 11 – making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable – to support government efforts in mainstreaming related strategies within the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2022–2026 in Lao PDR.

Structure and Activities

LNUF 2025 unfolds over two days in two key cities. The program includes opening and closing ceremonies, thematic sessions focusing on urban development, crisis response, inclusive governance, youth and community participation, and urban infrastructure and financing. The forum will also put up exhibitions showcasing innovative urban projects and will conduct side events, which will encourage participatory approaches and discussions.

The participation of 100 Community Volunteers, representing diverse social groups, will mark a strategic advancement for LNUF 2025 this year, placing community voices at the forefront of urban policy discussions. These volunteers will actively serve as event facilitators and engagement agents, bridging the gap between technical decision-making and the everyday realities faced by urban residents.

Expected Outcomes

• Strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships
• Enhanced youth and community participation in urban dialogues and innovative solution-building models for inclusive urban development
• Increased awareness and strengthened capacities among stakeholders in sustainable urban planning to address urbanization challenges and opportunities to further align linkages with SDGs.

Participants

The forum anticipates participation from the key ministries, line departments, international organizations, development partners, mass organizations including Lao Women’s Union and Lao Youth Union, private sector representatives, academia, volunteers, and citizens.

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For more information, please contact: Ms. Kumiko Hino, UN-Habitat Lao PDR, Email – kumiko.hino@un.org