Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune addresses a seminar on Monday in preparation for the first National Media Congress.

Media urged to drive national development as Laos opens national media seminar

Media organisations have been urged to strengthen their role in advancing national development, improving professionalism and combating misinformation as Laos opened a national media seminar in Vientiane on Monday ahead of the country’s first National Media Congress, which begins on Tuesday.
Addressing the seminar, Politburo member and Chairman of the Theory Council of the Party Central Committee, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, called on media organisations to mobilise public participation in implementing the Party’s policies and national development agenda as Laos enters a new phase of socio-economic development.
Delegates at the congress are also considering recommendations for a new Politburo resolution on media development to replace Resolution No. 36, which has guided the country’s media sector since 1993.
Held under the theme “Strengthening the Party’s leadership role, developing media work to transform it to a new quality vigorously,” the congress has brought together senior Party and state leaders, media executives, editors, journalists and communication professionals from across the country to discuss the future direction of Laos’ media industry.
Prof. Dr Kikeo described the media as the Party’s sharp voice and stressed its responsibility to effectively communicate the guidance, policies and laws of the Party and state, encouraging people to actively contribute to national development.
He placed particular emphasis on promoting the newly adopted National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction, describing it as a priority that requires extensive public communication.
“The National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Reduction is a key focal point that the media must concentrate on explaining, clarifying and leading the masses to participate in its implementation,” he told delegates.
He said successful implementation of the agenda would contribute to strengthening the people’s democratic regime and advancing the country’s long-term development vision.
“We must strive to achieve it. It is the strong aspiration of the people and the ultimate goal of the Party,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said, referring to the Party’s vision of building Laos into an upper middle-income developing country by 2055.
The senior Party leader also urged media organisations to improve professionalism, uphold stronger media ethics and produce more in-depth, high-quality journalism as the industry adapts to rapid technological change and the digital era.
He acknowledged that the media sector continues to face significant challenges, including difficulties in attracting young journalists and retaining skilled professionals, and encouraged delegates to identify practical solutions during the congress.
Prof. Dr Kikeo also called for stronger efforts to combat fake news and misinformation circulating on social media, stressing that accurate, balanced and responsible journalism is essential to maintaining public trust.
The congress takes place as Laos prepares to graduate from least developed country status this year and begins implementing the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030).
This year also marks the first year of implementing the resolution of the 12th National Party Congress, which sets the long-term goal of transforming Laos into an upper middle-income developing country by 2055, coinciding with the Party’s centenary.
Among those attending the seminar were Politburo member and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, along with senior Party and state officials, media executives, editors, journalists and communication professionals from across the country.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 14, 2026)