31 October 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR – UN-Habitat held a preparatory meeting at the UN House to pave the way for the 3rd Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF), which is set to take place from December 9-13, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, with technical support from UN-Habitat and the National University of Laos, this forum will bring together critical voices in urban development and sustainability. With the theme of SDG Localization and a sub-theme of Partnering with Youth for Achieving SDGs, the forum aims to explore how local actions can contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on engaging young people in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments across Lao PDR.
The preparatory meeting served as an important opportunity to engage representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, the National University of Laos, development organizations and UN agencies to align on the goals of the upcoming forum. By putting the spotlight on youth as key partners in achieving the SDGs, the forum seeks to inspire active participation from the younger generation in driving local initiatives that contribute to global goals. Discussions highlighted the potential of Lao youth as leaders in urban transformation, bringing fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Engaging the youth will be enhanced by potentially organizing the forum at the National University of Laos (TBC).
The 3rd LNUF will emphasize practical strategies for SDG Localization, with sessions aimed at sharing best practices and collaborative approaches to embed SDG principles into urban policies and planning. Key areas of focus will include sustainable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, equitable access to urban services, waste management and urban policy reforms.
These areas of focus will be highlighted throughout four different activities. The Opening Ceremony, set to take place on the first day of the forum, 9 December, will consist of keynote speeches by changemakers. Every day, multiple Thematic Sessions will deep-dive into important topics of SDG Localization in urban challenges and opportunities. Parallel to all sessions, organizations, students, and academia can display important research on urbanization in the Exhibition Booths. Students and organizations will get the opportunity to organize Side Events to informally engage all participants to (among others) discuss their view on the urban future of Lao PDR. By engaging young leaders and fostering partnerships across national and local governments, the forum will serve as a launchpad for initiatives that turn the SDGs from a global vision into real, measurable improvements in Lao cities and communities.
In this way, the forum is set to build a legacy of impactful partnerships that will contribute to a brighter urban future for Lao PDR, illustrating how localized efforts, driven by empowered youth, can have a global impact.
