23 May 2025, Vientiane, Lao PDR – UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) officially launched a transformative three-year climate adaptation project in Lao PDR with an inception workshop held in Vientiane. The event brought together over 50 participants from national ministries, provincial departments, international development partners, academia, and civil society to kick off this important initiative. 

This Green Climate Fund (GCF)-supported project, titled “Advancing Lao PDR’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) through Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments for Disaster Risk Management in Human Settlements,” has a total budget of USD 2 million. It aims to strengthen Lao PDR’s adaptive capacity by integrating climate change considerations into national and sub-national planning processes. 

The workshop introduced the project’s implementation roadmap, which includes strengthening institutional coordination, generating local climate vulnerability data, supporting district-level adaptation plans, fostering private sector engagement, and aligning adaptation finance with community needs. Participants also discussed mechanisms for effective coordination across various levels of government and development sectors. 

In her opening remarks, Ms. Teunchith Alounlasy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change, MoNRE, highlighted the project’s significance for Lao PDR’s climate resilience. She emphasized that adaptation is essential for the country’s sustainable development and for achieving the targets outlined in the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. She noted that strengthening adaptation planning and implementation capacities is key to building a climate-resilient future. 

A key insight shared by participants was the importance of aligning national, sectoral, and sub-national initiatives to ensure climate adaptation efforts are effective and locally appropriate. 

Dr. Avi Sarkar, Regional Advisor for South-East Asia and Head of UN-Habitat Lao PDR, emphasized the need for participatory approaches in climate planning: “We see this initiative as an opportunity to amplify voices that are often underrepresented in climate planning processes, particularly women, ethnic groups, and vulnerable communities. By combining scientific assessments with participatory approaches, we hope to bridge the gap between policy and people and ensure that adaptation strategies reflect local realities.” 

Ms. Teunchith Alounlasy further stressed the importance of coordination across all levels of government: “To address climate challenges effectively, we must align national, sectoral, and sub-national adaptation plans, ensuring they reflect local needs and priorities.” 

The project is part of Lao PDR’s broader climate strategy, supporting the National Adaptation Plan, the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action and sustainable cities. With strong engagement from multiple sectors and provinces, this workshop marks a critical step forward in strengthening Lao PDR’s climate resilience.