LAO PDR 2020-2021 UNESCO Country Strategy
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L AO PD R U N E S CO Count r y St r a t eg y 20 2 0 –2 0 2 1
Published in 2020 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 7, place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France and UNESCO Bangkok Office © UNESCO 2020 Author and Editor: Peter Prix Graphic designer: Peter Prix and Narisara Saisanguansat Cover photo: © UNESCO/S. Chaiyasook TH/DOC/EO/20/010-Revised
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Foreword
UNESCO's Role in today's
and tomorrow's Lao PDR
It is my great pleasure to present the UNESCO Country Lao PDR’s vision and journey of graduating from Least
Strategy (UCS) 2020–2021 for the Lao People’s Developed Country (LDC) status, UNESCO reinforces
Democratic Republic (PDR). This document presents the multitude of efforts made by the Government
UNESCO’s strategic framework for engagement with through multidisciplinary approaches and support
the Government of Lao PDR, UN entities, international within UNESCO’s areas of mandate.
development partners, universities, schools, and civil
society organizations to respond most effectively to Lao PDR, as a very active member of the ASEAN
Lao PDR’s expressed development needs, priorities, community and United Nations Member State,
and aspirations, including those outlined in the has shown its vision and commitment to achieving
Government’s Vision 2030 and the 10-Year Socio- sustainable development while "leaving no one behind"
Economic Development Strategy 2016–2025. through partnership and cooperation.
This UNESCO Country Strategy for the Lao PDR was UNESCO, as a specialized United Nations agency and
prepared following extensive consultations with the member of the United Nations Country Team in the
Government of Lao PDR, academia, development Lao PDR, is committed to continuing supporting the
partners, and civil society actors who have contributed Government of and the people living in Lao PDR in
to the identification of programmatic intervention achieving this vision.
priorities of UNESCO’s support to Lao PDR for the
timeframe 2020–2021. By working hand-in-hand with the Government,
UNESCO has achieved significant progress in Lao PDR
With the common vision to achieving the Sustainable since the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau
Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for for Education in Bangkok, Thailand started operating
Sustainable Development, as well as in pursuit of in 1961. Over the past 58 years, UNESCO has supported
I
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the Government of Lao PDR and its people in the I would like to express my gratitude to the Government
building of peace, the eradication of poverty, and of Lao PDR and to all actors and colleagues who are
the pursuit of sustainable development through contributing to the successful implementation of
education, the sciences, culture, and communication UNESCO’s interventions outlined within this strategic
and information. document. On behalf of all staff at the UNESCO
Regional Bureau and Cluster Office in Bangkok,
UNESCO’s interventions in and its support to the I gratefully acknowledge the continuous support
Lao PDR are coordinated by the UNESCO Regional and collaboration of the Government of Lao PDR and
Bureau for Education in Asia and the Pacific and the Lao National Commission for UNESCO.
UNESCO Cluster Office to Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam, which has
long-standing partnerships with the Government of
Lao PDR and other development stakeholders.
Looking ahead, UNESCO remains committed to
working closely with the Government and civil society
in Lao PDR, jointly addressing identified remaining
challenges towards sustainable development through
collaborative approaches and cooperation that is
inclusive, recipient-driven and mutually reinforcing.
Shigeru Aoyagi
Director
UNESCO Bangkok
II
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Preface
Lao National Commission
for UNESCO
This UNESCO country strategy provides a strong through the National Commission for UNESCO,
foundation for the partnership between UNESCO Lao PDR has actively contributed to advancing the
and the Government of Lao PDR, as well as a platform objectives of UNESCO and has worked successfully with
for dialogue and engagement of UNESCO with its partners, in the building of peace and the advancement
stakeholders, donors, and partners at the country and of equitable and sustainable development through
regional level. education, the sciences, culture, communication and
information.
Several ministries, namely the Ministry of Education
and Sports, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Looking ahead, our Government remains committed
Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, to working with and supporting UNESCO’s mandate
the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the and contributing to the maintenance of peace and the
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, were advancement of sustainable development through
extensively consulted in the formulation of the strategy international cooperation.
and contributed to the identification of UNESCO’s
comparative advantage in the country. Aligned with On behalf of the Chairperson of the Lao National
UNESCO’s mission and mandate, UNESCO’s strategic Commission for UNESCO, I would like to express
framework highlights its efforts to serve Lao PDR with my sincere gratitude to UNESCO for its continued
a focus on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable support to the sustainable development of Lao PDR.
Development. We gratefully acknowledge the support and
collaboration of UNESCO and look forward to the
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic joined UNESCO successful implementation of interventions outlined
in July 1951, and the National Commission was within this strategic document over the next two years.
established in March 1968. Over the past five decades,
as a member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Bodies,
H.E. Mrs Sengdeuane Lachanthaboune
Chairperson, Lao National Commission for UNESCO
Minister for Education and Sports, Government of Lao PDR
IV
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
DGE ��������������������Department of General Education PFM ��������������������Public Financial Management
DNFE ������������������Department of Non-Formal PPP ��������������������Purchasing Power Parity
Education PTDC �����������������Provincial Teacher
DTE ���������������������Department of Teacher Education Development Centres
EAC ���������������������Educate A Child Initiative RBM ��������������������Results-based Management
ECCE �������������������Early Childhood Care and Education SDGs �������������������Sustainable Development Goals
ESD ���������������������Education for Sustainable STEM �����������������Science, Technology, Engineering,
Development and Mathematics
ESDP �������������������Education and Sports Sector TEMIS ����������������Teacher Education Management
Development Plan Information System
ESSDP �����������������Education and Sports Sector UCS ���������������������UNESCO Country Strategy
Development Plan UIS ���������������������UNESCO Institute for Statistics
GCED ������������������Global Citizenship Education UN ����������������������United Nations
GDP ��������������������Gross Domestic Product UNESCO �������������United Nations Educational,
GII �����������������������Gender Inequality Index Scientific and Cultural Organization
GNI ���������������������Gross National Income UNPF �����������������United Nations Partnership
GSICS ������������������Graduate School of International Framework
Cooperation Studies
Kobe University
HDI ���������������������Human Development Index
HRBA ������������������Human Rights-Based Approach
ICH ���������������������Intangible Cultural Heritage
LDC ���������������������Least Developed Country
LESMIS ���������������Lao Education and Sports
Management Information System
MoAF �����������������Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
MoES �����������������Ministry of Education and Sports
MoICT ����������������Ministry of Information,
Culture and Tourism
MoNRE ��������������Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment
MoW ������������������Memory of the World Programme
NFE ���������������������Non-Formal Education
NRES ������������������Natural Resources and
Environment Strategy
NSEDP ���������������National Socio-Economic
Development Plan
OOSCY ���������������Out-of-School Children and Youth
V
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Contents
FOREWORD..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... I
PREFACE.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... IV
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS.............................................................................................................................................................................................. V
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
PART 1:
STRATEGIC VISION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Lao PDR and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ......................................................................................... 4
1.3 UNESCO in Lao PDR...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Partnerships........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.5 UNESCO’s Comparative Advantage in Lao PDR..................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 UNESCO and the United Nations Family........................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.7 UNESCO’s Intersectoral Approach to Development......................................................................................................................... 9
PART 2:
SITUATION ANALYSIS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
2.1 Summary Analysis of Lao PDR’s Development Context.......................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Education Context........................................................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3 Natural, Social, and Human Sciences Context.......................................................................................................................................15
2.4 Cultural Context..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
2.5 Communication and Information Context...................................................................................................................................................19
VI
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PART 3:
COOPERATION FRAMEWORK AND PARTNERSHIPS..................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 UNESCO’s Strategic Role in Lao PDR..................................................................................................................................................................21
3.2 UNESCO Programming Principles in Lao PDR....................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Cooperation Framework and Partnerships.............................................................................................................................................. 23
3.3.1 EDUCATION: System strengthening for quality inclusive education that fosters
peace, eradicates poverty, equips learners with 21st century skills, and drives
sustainable development............................................................................................................................................................................... 23
3.3.2 NATURAL SCIENCE: Advancing and harnessing science and technology for
sustainable human living, sustainable development, climate change action,
and promoting knowledge, capacities, and scientific research.................................................................. 27
3.3.3 SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES: Supporting mutual understanding
and working together to building inclusive societies and lasting peace......................................... 29
3.3.4 CULTURE: Building capacities and promoting Lao PDR’s diverse tangible and
intangible cultural heritage and its creative industries as drivers for sustainable
development and social cohesion....................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.3.5 COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION: Strengthening the preservation of
and access to documentary heritage in Lao PDR......................................................................................................... 35
PART 4:
MONITORING AND EVALUATION................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
ANNEX 1: COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS MATRIX........................................................................................................................ 38
VII
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UNESCO and Lao PDR
3 World Heritage Sites 1 ICH Element
3 World Heritage Sites 1 Intangible Cultural Heritage
enlisted on UNESCO's World (ICH) Element inscribed in
Heritage List. the Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of
2 Tentative Sites enlisted on
Humanity.
UNESCO's Tentative List of
World Heritage.
33 ASPnet schools 1 MoW Inscriptions
33 Schools and teacher 1 Element inscribed in
training colleges UNESCO's Memory of the
participating in UNESCO's World (MoW) Register.
Associated Schools Network
(ASPnet).
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INTRODUCTION
UNESCO's vision: Everyone in Asia and the Pacific
enjoys and contributes to a peaceful and sustainable
future.
The UNESCO Country Strategy (UCS) for Lao PDR outlines Education
UNESCO’s multi-sectoral engagement and cooperation
strategy supporting the Government of the Lao People’s Transforming Lives through
Democratic Republic (PDR) in the achievement of national Quality Education.
development priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development within UNESCO’s areas of comparative
advantage in education, culture, natural, social and human Natural Sciences
sciences, as well as in communication and information.
Leveraging Science for a
The UCS for Lao PDR covers the period from 2020 to 2021 Sustainable Future.
and is aligned with Lao PDR’s 8th National Socio-Economic
Development Plan (NSEDP) 2016–2020 and the Lao PDR – Social & Human
United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPF) 2017–2021. Sciences
The country strategy is needs-based and demand-driven
in pursuit of national ownership and relevance of UNESCO Enabling people to create
interventions in Lao PDR. and use knowledge for just
and inclusive societies.
With this strategy, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to
further deepen its engagement with stakeholders in Lao PDR Culture
in support of the country's journey to graduate from LDC
status by 2024, as well as in pursuit of the Government’s Vision Protecting Our Heritage
2030 to become an upper-middle-income country, to achieve and Fostering Diversity.
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to turn Lao
PDR’s economy into a knowledge-based economy by 2030.
Communication
As per its mandate and comparative advantage in Lao PDR, & Information
UNESCO provides institutionalized support and technical
assistance, convenes stakeholders, acts as an innovation Promoting Freedom
laboratory, and strengthens national capacities through of Expression, Media
targeted programming that is human rights-based and that Development, and Access
promotes the key principles of inclusion, equity, and gender to Information.
equality.
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Part 1: Strategic Vision
UNESCO’s Engagement Rationale in Lao PDR
1.1 OVERVIEW
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is the has declined from 46% in 1992 to 23% in 2015, lifting
only land-locked country in Southeast Asia. Located more than a million people out of poverty. Until today,
on the Indochinese peninsula between Thailand and Lao PDR is one of the fastest growing economies in
Viet Nam, and sharing borders with Cambodia in the East Asia and the Pacific.4,5
South, China in the North, and Myanmar in the West,
Lao PDR has a population of 7.06 million people.1 However, while the absolute poverty incidence has
halved over the last two decades, the distribution
With a GDP per capita of USD 2,568 (current US$, 2018), of private household expenditures in Lao PDR has
Lao PDR is classified among the group of lower middle- become more unequal. Particularly within urban areas,
income countries. The Human Development Index inequality has increased and the strong and continued
(HDI) 2018 ranked Lao PDR as 139 out of 189 countries, economic growth has benefited the richer quintiles
placing it in the « medium human development » more than the poorer segments of the population.
category.2,3 Many people escaping poverty remain close to or
slip back below the poverty line – about half of the
Over the past twenty years, Lao PDR has made poor in 2013 were not poor in 2008. Until today the
great progress in social and economic development, poverty rate in rural areas of Lao PDR is 2.9 times that
including halving the absolute poverty rate, reducing of urban areas. One-third of the population in upland
hunger, and improving education and health outcomes. areas lives still below the poverty line, while in lowland
The economy of Lao PDR has continually grown at a areas, about one-fifth of the population remains poor
pace of around 7.5% p.a., access to basic public services (18.8 percent).6
have significantly improved, and absolute poverty
1 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data,” 2015.
2 Ibid.
3 UN, “Human Development Indices and Indicators. 2018 Statistical Update,” United Nations Development Programme, vol. 27,
2018.
4 Peter G. Warr, Sitthiroth Rasphone, and Jayant Menon, “Two Decades of Rising Inequality and Declining Poverty in the Lao
People’s Democratic Republic,” SSRN Electronic Journal, 2016, https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2709320.
5 “Drivers of Poverty Reduction in Lao PDR,” accessed October 19, 2019, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lao/publication/
drivers-of-poverty-in-lao-pdr.
6 “United Nations Lao PDR – United Nations Lao PDR – SDG 1: No Poverty,” accessed October 20, 2019, http://www.la.one.un.org/sdgs/
sdg-1-no-poverty.
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1.2 LAO PDR AND THE 2030 AGENDA FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Lao PDR attaches great importance to sustainable
development and the Government of Lao PDR is
strongly committed to the implementation of the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the
achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). In September 2016, Lao PDR formally launched
and adopted its own national SDG 18, called “Lives
safe from unexploded ordnance”. Working closely
with UN agencies and other development partners,
the Government of Lao PDR successfully leverages
international support to accelerate progress towards
achieving the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. smooth coordination and collaboration within the
Government.7
The Prime Minister chairs the National Steering
Committee for SDG implementation, with members Lao PDR was among the first countries to localize the
of the Committee drawn from all concerned ministries, SDGs and the Government has fully integrated Goals
ministry-equivalent agencies, and mass organizations. and Targets into its national planning framework.
Further, a National SDG Secretariat, appointed by the The 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan
National Steering Committee for SDG implementation (NSEDP) has SDGs embedded in three of its outcomes,
and led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the each of which relates to one of the three dimensions of
Ministry of Planning and Investment, as well as the 2030 Agenda: economic, social, and environmental.
SDG focal points within each of the relevant line Nearly 60 percent of the 8th NSEDP indicators are linked
ministries, lead the SDG implementation and ensure to SDG indicators, showing the strong commitment of
the Government in implementing the 2030 Agenda.8
1.3 UNESCO IN LAO PDR
Lao PDR joined UNESCO in July 1951, following which a other UNESCO field and antenna offices in the area
National Commission for UNESCO was established in of education.
March 1968.
In addition, the UNESCO Office in Bangkok hosts the
The UNESCO Bangkok Office, which was established Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific of the UNESCO
in 1961 as a Regional Bureau for Education, today has Institute for Statistics (UIS) which strengthens the
plural roles and serves as Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau statistical capacities of Member States in producing
for Education, as UNESCO Cluster Office for Thailand, quality data in all areas of UNESCO’s mandate.
Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Singapore, and works in close
collaboration with national UNESCO Offices in Viet Overview: Lao National Commission for UNESCO
Nam and Cambodia.
» Established in March 1968
In its capacity as a Regional Bureau for Education, the » Chairperson: H.E. Mrs Sengdeuane
UNESCO Office in Bangkok provides technical expertise Lachanthaboune (since June 2016)
and assistance and serves advisory, knowledge » Secretary-General: Mr Somboun Masouvanh
production and sharing, monitoring and evaluation (since March 2012)
functions to assist Asia-Pacific Member States and
7 Lao People et al., “Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development,” 2018.
8 Ibid.
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UNESCO and Lao PDR
» Town of Luang Prabang (1995)
World Heritage Site » Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the
Inscriptions Champasak Cultural Landscape (2001)
» Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars (2019)
Tentative List of World » That Luang de Vientiane (1992)
Heritage Sites » Hin Nam No National Protected Area (2016)
Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage » Khaen music of the Lao people (2017)
(ICH) of Humanity
» 8 Primary Schools
UNESCO Associated Schools
» 23 Secondary Schools
Programme (ASPnet) schools
» 2 Teacher Training Colleges
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves &
» none
UNESCO Global Geoparks
Inscriptions on the Memory of
» The Neo Lao Hak Xath Film Collection (2014)
the World (MoW) Register
UNESCO Conventions » 12 ratified and 28 non-ratified
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L AO N AT I O N A L C O M M I S S I O N F O R U N E S C O W E L C O M I N G
M R B E N N O B O E R , U N E S C O B A N G KO K F O C A L P O I N T F O R L AO P D R
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1.4 PARTNERSHIPS
To achieve tangible and sustainable results that society organizations, academia, the media, as well as
improve people’s lives and that leave no one behind, directly with communities.
UNESCO works closely with a diverse range of partners
in all of its fields of competence. As an open, engaging, In pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development
and outward-looking organization, UNESCO in Lao Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
PDR brings together and works with public and UNESCO leverages synergies by engaging with its wide
non-public actors, including Governments, other range of stakeholders, diversifying its funding partners,
UN agencies, National Commissions for UNESCO, forming private-public partnerships, supporting
international and bilateral development partners, south-south cooperation, and promoting intersectoral
research institutes, local and international NGOs, civil working both within UNESCO and across the UN system.
Graphic 1: UNESCO and its diverse range of partners
Government INGOs
National Commissions for UNESCO Academia
Civil Society Organizations UNESCO Bangkok Private Sector
Donors Development Partners
Other UN Agencies Research Institutes and Bodies
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1.5 UNESCO’S COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE
IN LAO PDR
UNESCO has a distinct comparative advantage and UNESCO cooperation modalities in Lao PDR:
is uniquely positioned to support the Government
and all people living in Lao PDR at different levels
Integrated Policy Support
and through different interventions. In collaboration
with its stakeholders and partners, UNESCO provides
integrated policy support, strengthens the public Capacity Development
sector, contributes to capacity development at all levels
of Government, mobilizes technical assistance, acts as Technical Assistance
a convening and coordinating entity, promotes regional
and international cooperation, promotes knowledge Multi-Stakeholder Convening
transfer and regional South-South cooperation, as well
as conducts advocacy and awareness-raising in areas Advocacy and Awareness-raising
of UNESCO’s mandate and fields of expertise.
Regional and South-South Cooperation
Maintaining a reputation as a trusted, responsive,
and flexible partner of the Government, development
partners, academia, and civil society organizations in
Lao PDR, UNESCO is uniquely positioned to support
the Government and all people living in the country to
improve their livelihoods and to foster social cohesion.
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M S S A R A S E K K E N E S , U N R E S I D E N T C O O R D I N ATO R TO L AO P D R
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1.6 UNESCO AND THE UNITED NATIONS FAMILY
As a specialized non-resident United Nations (UN) agency to Lao PDR,
UNESCO works in close partnership and coordination with other resident and
non-resident UN agencies, funds, and programmes, as well as with the Office
of the UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR.
Jointly pursuing national priorities enshrined in the 8th NSEDP 2016–2020
and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, UNESCO and other UN
agencies, funds, and programmes are working together under the framework
of the Lao PDR – United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPF) 2017–2021.
UNESCO is actively participating in and contributing to a number of UN
inter-agency coordination and working groups, including the UN Country
Team, three UN Results Groups, as well as the UN Communications Group.
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1.7 UNESCO’S INTERSECTORAL APPROACH
TO DEVELOPMENT
While the focus of UNESCO's interventions in Lao science and science-based environmental education
PDR is based on expertise and resources in the as drivers of sustainable development. To this end,
field of Education and Culture, one of UNESCO’s key UNESCO advances and mainstreams elements of
comparative advantages in Lao PDR is its ability to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at
draw on intersectoral expertise from UNESCO’s five different levels of education in order to foster attitudes
areas of mandate and programming (Education, and behaviors that are necessary for a culture of
Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, sustainability and inclusive green growth. Further,
Communication and Information) as well as from its UNESCO promotes knowledge of environmental
global network of UNESCO centres and institutes, science and geoscience among students, fosters Global
UNESCO Clubs, UNESCO Associated Schools (ASPnet) Citizenship Education (GCED), and enables Lao PDR’s
and UNESCO Chairs, to address challenges in a multi- participation in international science networks.
disciplinary and intersectoral fashion.
Fostering Sustainable Tourism: A second area in
Already today the majority of UNESCO’s programmes which UNESCO leverages its intersectoral approach
in Lao PDR benefit from UNESCO’s inter-disciplinary to development in Lao PDR is sustainable tourism.
approach, leveraging expertise and resources from Defining tourism as “tourism that respects local people,
two or more areas of its mandate, such as in the field cultural heritage and the environment”, UNESCO, in
of Promoting Inclusive and Green Societies and partnership with the Government, fosters and promotes
Fostering Sustainable Tourism. tourism in Lao PDR that is environmentally responsible
and culturally sensitive. With a focus on heritage sites
Promoting Inclusive and Green Societies: The large that are enlisted in the World Heritage List, UNESCO
youth percentage of Lao PDR combined with the supports the Government in the development and
green growth principle to which the Government implementation of heritage and tourism management
has committed, offers distinct opportunities but also plans, cultural policies, as well as culture guidelines
challenges for the Government and the people living in that support the sustainable management of cultural
Lao PDR. UNESCO leverages its intersectoral expertise and natural heritage sites in Lao PDR, while promoting
in building inclusive and green societies and supports livelihoods through sustainable tourism.
the Government in developing and strengthening
Lao PDR’s human and social capital, advancing green
growth, inclusive education policies, and mobilizing
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Part 2: Situation Analysis
Summary Analysis of Lao PDR's Development Context
2.1 SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF LAO PDR’S
DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
Lao PDR’s development has advanced greatly in the Population
last two decade although significant challenges
remain. The country is rapidly catching up to its Lao PDR’s population stood at 7.06 million in 2018 and is
regional neighbours, with rising incomes, declining growing at 1.55% per annum (2018). The average fertility
poverty, and improved access to key public services. rate is 2.71 births per woman (2017), which is one of the
The Human Development Index (HDI) 2017 ranked Lao highest in the region and poses health risks as well as
PDR 139 out of 189 countries, placing it in the "medium reduces educational and employment opportunities
human development” category.9 for women.12 Two-thirds of the population of the largely
agrarian economy are living in rural areas, but the
Over the last two decades, Lao PDR has enjoyed peace country is urbanizing rapidly. The urban population
and stability as well as sustained economic growth.10 has increased by 40 percent over the last 10 years.
At current levels of development, Lao PDR is projected
to graduate from Least Developed Country status in Today, more than half of the population of Lao PDR
2024. is under the age of 23. The seismic demographic shift
that Lao PDR is currently experiencing as the younger
However, despite sustained economic growth, Lao population becomes economically productive, provides
PDR is still one of the poorest countries in Southeast an opportunity for a ‘demographic dividend’ which
Asia, and reducing poverty continues to remain a high can potentially deliver the catalytic economic growth
priority of Government and development partners. required for Lao PDR to graduate from LDC status in
2024.13
Until today, the country’s growth is to a large extent
driven by natural resources exploitation with limited job The Government of Lao PDR has a well-established
creation and wealth distribution. In addition, revenue national integrated policy planning architecture in
leakages and weak public financial management (PFM) place. The 8th National Socio-Economic Development
continue to prevent the sharing of economic benefits.11 Plan (NSEDP) for 2016–2020 provides comprehensive
As a consequence, Lao PDR’s poverty reduction was policies that put Lao PDR on a path to reduce poverty
slower compared to its peers in the region and a large and to promote shared prosperity in a sustainable
part of Lao PDR’s population remains at risk of falling manner. The NSEDP is based on green growth
back into poverty. principles and has the primary goal to accelerate
economic and social development to graduate the
country from LDC status.
9 World Bank, “Country Partnership Framework for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2017–2021,” 2017.
10 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data.”
11 World Bank, “Lao PDR: Systematic Country Diagnostic,” 2017.
12 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data.”
13 European Union, “European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020,” 2016.
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Socio-economic indicators of Lao PDR14
Total population: 7,061,507 (2018)
Population growth (annual %): 1.548 (2018)
Fertility rate, total (births per woman): 2.709 (2017)
Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births): 37.6 (2018)
Life expectancy at birth (years): 67.277 (2017)
Poverty headcount ratio at $5.50 a day (2011 PPP) (% of population): 22.7 (2012)
GNI per capita – Atlas method (current US$): 2,460 (2018)
GDP growth (annual %): 6.501 (2018)
Literacy among population aged 15 years and older (% of population): 84.661 (2018)
Internet penetration (% of population)15: 39 (2019)
Gender
Women face severe marginalization in Lao PDR, While great progress has been made towards girls’
with substantial implications for poverty alleviation. school attendance and gender parity in education,
Promoting equal participation of women and men in deeply rooted gender inequalities continue to keep
decision-making and empowering women to become girls and boys from having equal opportunities in their
equal actors in all spheres of society is a key driver for lives.17 The majority of those who have never been to
development and a priority for the Government of school are girls.18 Girls, at times, face pressures to marry
Lao PDR. However, while gender relations in the Lao early or to help with household duties, especially in
PDR have been improved over the last three decades families living in poverty. The female youth literacy
including due to rapid economic growth and social rate (youth aged 15–24 years) is 4 percentage points
change, rights and opportunities of women remain lower than the male youth literacy rate, standing at
limited. Lao PDR’s Gender Inequality Index (GII) stood 90.50% and 94.40% respectively.19
at 0.934 in 2017, ranking the country at 109 out of 188
countries.16
2.2 EDUCATION CONTEXT
The Government of Lao PDR places improving access to Development and SDGs, the Government’s Education
and the quality of education as important key drivers and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESDP) 2016-2020
towards national socio-economic development and serves as the overarching framework for education
poverty reduction. Aligned with the 8th Five-Year sector policies and guidelines, as well as for support
National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) from development partners.
2016-2020 and the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
14 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data,” The World Bank, 2019, https://data.worldbank.org/country/lao-pdr.
15 Simon Kemp, “Digital 2019: Global Digital Overview – DataReportal – Global Digital Insights,” Datareportal.com, 2019, https://
datareportal.com/reports/digital-2019-global-digital-overview.
16 UN, “Human Development Indices and Indicators. 2018 Statistical Update.”
17 UNICEF Lao People’s Democratic Republic, “Gender Equality,” accessed October 23, 2019, https://www.unicef.org/laos/gender.
18 The World Bank, “Lao PDR Economic Monitor (January 2019),” 2019.
19 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data.”
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Education Data: Enrollment Rates29 Total (%) Female (%) Male (%)
Pre-primary education (% gross), 2018 46.68 47.30 46.09
Primary education (% net), 2018 91.47 90.65 92.26
Secondary education (% net), 2018 60.01 59.36 60.65
Tertiary education (% gross), 2018 14.97 15.52 14.43
Out-of-school children (% of primary school age), 2018 8.51 9.33 7.72
Out-of-school adolescents (% of lower secondary
25.02 25.52 24.53
school age), 2018
Youth literacy rate (% of people ages 15–24), 2015 92.46 90.50 94.40
Adult literacy rate (% of people ages 15 and above),
84.66 79.39 89.96
2015
20 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data.”
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Lao PDR has made great strides in improving access and, as a result, the vast majority of them are deprived
to basic education for both boys and girls. The of education.26
number of students that are able to access and finish
basic education has continued to grow over the past Tertiary level education enrollment is following an
decades, but the quality of education remains an issue. adverse enrollment trend. Following a peak tertiary
education gross enrollment of 18.1% in 2013, in 2018
Social demand for early childhood care and education gross enrollment declined to 14.97%.27
(ECCE) continues to grow but the Government’s
capacity to expand the coverage is limited.21 At the Although basic education in Lao PDR is free, ancillary
pre-primary level, in 2018, 46.46% of children had and opportunity costs of education, including school
been enrolled in early childhood education, up from uniforms, food, and transportation, as well as the
17.9% in 2009. Generally, pre-primary attendance rates need for children to work and support their families,
are higher in urban areas (56.8%) than in rural areas keep children from poor families out of school.28 While
(22.7%) and are the highest among families of the enrollment numbers in Non-Formal Education (NFE)
richest quintiles (69%).22 The lowest ECCE enrollment equivalency primary programmes have increased over
rates are among families from the poorest quintiles past years, the number of out-of-school children has
(12.6%).23 also increased and reached 35,170 female and 30,200
male students in 2018.29
Primary net enrollment rates have remained relatively
stable over the past 10 years and reached 91.47% in With a focus on fairness and transparency in
2018. High repetition and dropout rates with only 81.1% qualifications recognition, Lao PDR ratified the
of students remaining enrolled until grade 5 remain “Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies,
an issue that requires urgent attention.24 Among the Diplomas, and Degrees in Higher Education in Asia and
reasons for the high dropout rates are children’s lack the Pacific” in 2003.
of school readiness, as well as incomplete school
facilities, limited capacity of teachers, irregular teacher
attendance, poor quality of teaching and learning,
direct and opportunity costs of schooling for families,
and insufficient funding for investments in education
quality.25
Secondary net enrollment rates have increased
from 38.11% in 2009 to 60.01% in 2018, with similar
enrollment rates for male and female students. While
this is a significant improvement, until today, around
40 % of children aged 11–17 years are either no longer
attending basic school, not finishing basic school, or are
behind in school. Recent findings also show that 14%
of girls aged 15–17 had an early marriage or pregnancy,
21 UNICEF, “Strategy Note for the Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic and United Nations Children’s Fund, 2017-2021,” 2017, 2017–21.
22 Lao Statistics Bureau. 2018. Lao Social Indicator Survey II 2017, Survey Findings Report. Vientiane, Lao PDR: Lao Statistics
Bureau and UNICEF.
23 European Union, “European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020 Mid-Term Report,” 2018.
24 Open Development Laos, “Social Development,” accessed October 6, 2019, https://laos.opendevelopmentmekong.net/topics/
social-development/.
25 UNDP, “Goal 4: Quality Education | UNDP in Lao PDR,” accessed October 6, 2019, https://www.la.undp.org/content/lao_pdr/en/
home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-4-quality-education.html.
26 UNICEF, “SDGs and Children - Measuring Progress on Child Wellbeing in Lao PDR,” 2018.
27 World Bank, “Lao PDR | Data.”
28 The World Bank, “Lao PDR Economic Monitor (January 2019).”
29 Ministry of Education and Sports, “Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (2016–2020)” (Vientiane, 2015).
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2.3 NATURAL, SOCIAL, AND HUMAN SCIENCES
CONTEXT
Natural Heritage and Biodiversity: Lao PDR has vision towards 2030 is to “Making Lao PDR Green, Clean
abundant natural heritage and biodiversity which to and Beautiful, based on Green Economic Growth, to
this day remains a source of prosperity and livelihood ensure Sustainable Resilient Development and Climate
for rural communities. However, the country faces Change”.
important challenges in environmental sustainability
and protection, including biodiversity loss, forest Until today 70% of the population in Lao PDR depend
decline, and land degradation. Until recently, growth on forests and waterways for their livelihoods.
has largely been dependent on natural resources which The Government’s green growth agenda aims at
has placed increasing pressure on the environment. improving local livelihoods by diversifying income
sources and involving the private sector to spur
Recognizing the limitations of Lao PDR’s current growth market development. Over past decades, large-scale
model, the Government has started implementing conversions of Lao PDR’s forests into plantations and
reforms to support a greener and more inclusive growth. infrastructure development sites, including logging
With the 8th NSEDP (2016–2020), the Government has along and outside the borders of designated concession
reaffirmed its commitment to induce economic and areas, have led to a rapid loss and depletion of natural
structural transformations from a primarily agriculture resources. National forest cover has fallen from 70% in
and natural resource exploitation-based economy to a 1940 to around 40% in 2010.31 As a result, over the last
more diversified economy that is increasingly reliant on decade, Lao PDR has transformed from a carbon sink
industrial development, manufacturing, and services.30 to a net carbon emitter. Further, demand from nearby
countries for Lao PDR’s valued natural resources such
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as wildlife, timber, and non-timber forest products is
(MoNRE) implements its 10-Year Natural Resources high, presenting vulnerability to illegal trade.32
and Environment Strategy 2016–2025 (NRES 2025), as
well as its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Lao PDR’s deforestation rates, biodiversity loss,
Plan 2016–2025, all of which are aligned with the 8th degradation of land, depletion of soil, and pollution of
NSEDP as well as the Agenda 2030 and SDGs. MoNRE’s water resources are raising concerns and it is expected
30 European Union, “European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020.”
31 World Bank, “Lao PDR: Systematic Country Diagnostic.”
32 World Bank, “Country Partnership Framework for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2017–2021.”
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MEGALITHIC JAR SITES IN XIENGKHUANG – PLAIN OF JARS
XIENGKHUANG
that today’s resource depletion will cause costs and Lao’s first ever National Youth Policy was developed
compromise future economic growth of the country. in 2018 to address five key challenges for the nation’s
Strong political commitment will be required to young people: education, health, social protection,
overcome governance challenges.33 employment and youth participation.
Until today, Lao PDR has no UNESCO Biosphere Migration is a defining megatrend in the entire
Reserves and no Global Geoparks despite the value Mekong region and people living in Lao PDR and
that can result from an inscription for areas and in the wider region move to places where they see
communities under protection, particularly in view of better opportunities for themselves and their families.
nature conservation, green growth development, and The primary destination for rural-urban migrants,
for the development of environmentally friendly and especially those from the Vientiane province and the
culturally responsible tourism. north of the country, is the capital city Vientiane. About
one in four residents of Vientiane was not born in the
Lao PDR is highly susceptible to the effects of climate city and migrated at some point in their life.36
change. Predicted climate trends are leading to longer
dry seasons coupled with more intense rainfall in the Migration brings with it the potential for vast economic
Greater Mekong region which are likely to push people growth and sustainable development, and in Lao PDR,
to migrate from rural areas. Droughts with increasing cities are often perceived as places where life changes
intensity and frequency have been observed.34 can be altered through access to employment and
services that are unavailable in rural areas.
Social and Human Sciences: About half of the
population of Lao PDR is aged 10 to 35 years and thus Lao PDR is also one of Southeast Asia’s most ethnically
falls under Lao’s official range for “youth”. Around two diverse countries. The constitution reflects the
thirds of youth remain in rural areas, with around 12% country's multi-ethnic context and defines the country
in remote areas (including indigenous youth).35 as a multi-ethnic state with equality among all ethnic
groups. While independent estimates put the number
of ethnic groups at more than 200, the Government
33 European Union, “European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020.”
34 UN-Habitat UNESCO, UNDP, IOM, “Overview of Internal Migration in Lao PDR,” 2018.
35 Lao Statistics Bureau, “ The 4th Population and Housing Census (PHC) 2015 ,” 2015.
36 UNESCO, “Overview of Internal Migration in Lao PDR,” 2018
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officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups of four main The Non-Lao-Tai rural and remote populations remain
ethnolinguistic groups.37,38 disadvantaged among rural populations, due to factors
such as social exclusion, village resettlement, gender
Ethnic rural and remote populations, which make disparities, and lack of access to education. Non-Lao-Tai
up approximately 45 percent of the population of populations are twice as likely as Lao-Tai populations
Lao PDR,39 often live in areas with limited social to live in poverty.42
services and infrastructure and face higher rates of
poverty.40 Many ethnic groups practice subsistence- Strengthening its commitment to eliminating doping
oriented agricultural activities and rely on the natural from sport and to apply the force of international law
environment for survival and livelihood, and, as a to anti-doping, the Government of Lao PDR accessed
result, are more vulnerable to natural hazards.41 the International Convention against Doping in Sport
in 2017.
2.4 CULTURAL CONTEXT
The preservation of cultural heritage, traditional
World Heritage Sites in Lao PDR
knowledge, and handicrafts are key to the safeguarding
of Lao PDR’s unique history and heritage and to y Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang - Plain of
promote the development of tourism in the country. Jars (2019)
Recent investments in cultural heritage in Lao PDR y Town of Luang Prabang (1995)
have proven to be effective at promoting sustainable y Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements
growth and protecting natural resources. The 8th within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
NSEDP (2016–2020) expresses the Government’s (2001)
commitment to protect its traditions and culture, to
Tentative List of World Heritage of Lao PDR
preserve its diversity, and to enhance its historical,
valuable heritage and unique cultures. y That Luang de Vientiane (1992)
y Hin Nam No National Protected Area (2016)
Lao PDR is a signatory to the UNESCO 1970 Convention Lao PDR’s inscriptions on the
on Combating Illicit Traffic in Cultural Property, Representative List of the Intangible
the 1972 Convention on World Heritage, the 2003 Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage, as well as the 2005 Convention y Khaen, music of the Lao people (2017)
for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of
Cultural Expressions. promulgated in 2005 and determines the principles,
regulations, and measures for the administration,
Lao PDR’s Vision 2030 refers to the protection, use, protection, conservation, restoration, and
preservation, rehabilitation, and enrichment of the rehabilitation of Lao PDR’s national heritage. The Law
country’s tradition and national cultural heritage also determines the rights and duties of the State, social
value towards sustainable development as a key organizations and individuals in “preserving the value of
objective. The National Law on National Heritage was the national cultural, historical and natural heritage, with
37 Philip Alston, “Statement by Professor Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
on His Visit to Lao PDR, 18–28 March 2019” (Vientiane, 2019), https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004.
38 Minority Rights Group International, “Laos – Minority Rights Group,” accessed October 6, 2019, https://minorityrights.org/
country/laos/.
39 Ian G. Baird, “Translocal Assemblages and the Circulation of the Concept of ‘Indigenous Peoples’ in Laos,” Political Geography
46 (May 1, 2015): 54–64, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polgeo.2014.12.001.
40 World Bank, “Lao Poverty Policy Brief: Why Are Ethnic Minorities Poor?,” accessed October 6, 2019, https://www.worldbank.org/
en/country/lao/publication/lao-poverty-policy-brief-why-are-ethnic-minorities-poor.
41 UNESCO, “Overview of Internal Migration in Lao PDR,” 2018.
42 Ibid.
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the aim of educating citizens with a conscious love for their natural value, would support the sustainable protection
nation and fine national traditions that is deeply embedded and management of the site, as well as increase the
in their hearts and of assuring the elements for prosper number of national and international visitors to the
sustainability of the nation.” 43 site and region.45
The Government of Lao PDR has successfully inscribed Lao PDR has young, dynamic and promising talents
three (3) cultural heritage sites on the World Heritage that are driving the country’s cultural industries. The
List. In addition, two (2) heritage sites have been listed national Vision 2030 recognizes the potential and aims
on the Tentative List of World Heritage. One (1) element to develop modern cultural industries that contribute
has successfully been inscribed on the Representative to socio-economical sustainability. While Lao PDR’s
List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. cultural industries are still relatively small, the current
growth and dynamism of the cultural sector are
Lao PDR’s natural and cultural heritage tourism sector promising a blossoming future for Lao PDR’s cultural
provides livelihoods and employment opportunities industries, particularly in the fields of handicraft, arts,
to hundreds of thousands of Lao PDR citizens, and music production.46
contributing between 4 and 5% of the country’s GDP.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Luang Prabang, Already today, Lao PDR’s entertainment and cultural
Vat Phou, and the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang sectors are providing more jobs than ever before.
(Plain of Jars) attract over 4 million visitors every year, Emerging film and dance companies have seen a
up from a few hundred visitors in the early 1990s, growth in popularity with citizens investing resources
and increase the overall tourism attractiveness of into creative industries, arts, and cultural disciplines.
the country.44 To tap into the full cultural potential of the country,
cultural providers require further technical training in
The possible nomination of the Hin Nam No National fields such as archaeology, music, crafts, architecture,
Biodiversity Conservation Area in the Khammouane organizational management, marketing, and
province as a transboundary Natural World Heritage entrepreneurial skills.47
site for its significant archaeological, historical and
Overview: Lao PDR's Ratification of UNESCO's Cultural Conventions
Date Convention Status
Convention concerning the Protection of the World
20 March 1987 Ratification
Cultural and Natural Heritage. Paris, 16 November 1972
Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the
5 November 2007 Accession
Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 20 October 2005
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
26 November 2009 Ratification
Cultural Heritage. Paris, 17 October 2003.
Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing
22 December 2015 the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership Acceptance
of Cultural Property. Paris, 14 November 1970
43 Lao’s People Democratic Republic, “Decree of the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the Promulgation of
the Law on National Heritage,” 2005.
44 European Union, “European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020 Mid-Term Report.”
45 Ibid.
46 European Joint Programming for Lao People’s Democratic Republic 2016–2020 Mid-Term Report September 2018
47 Simon Kemp, “Digital 2019: Global Digital Overview – DataReportal – Global Digital Insights.”
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