Representatives from government ministries, UN agencies and other development partners attend the AI workshop in Vientiane.

Laos reveals AI ethics readiness strategies

Laos has unveiled its first Artificial Intelligence Ethics Readiness Assessment country report, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s approach to emerging technologies.
The report provides detailed analysis in five key areas, namely Legal and Regulatory Readiness; Social and Cultural Dimensions; Science, Research and Education, Economic and Technological Capacity; and Technical Infrastructure.
The Ministry of Technology and Communications, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team in Laos, unveiled the report at a National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence held in Vientiane on Tuesday.
Minister of Technology and Communications, Dr Santisouk Simmalavong, said that as the host and lead implementer of the initiative, the ministry recognises AI’s immense potential to modernise Laos’ economy, agriculture, education, tourism and culture, and governance.
The report is a national diagnostic and strategic compass. It provides the blueprint for developing homegrown AI solutions that respect cultural identity while connected to the world, bridge the digital divide, and ensure that technological progress benefits every Lao citizen, Mr Santisouk said.
UNESCO Regional Director, Ms Soohyun Kim, said the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is the world’s first and only global normative framework in this field.
Laos is showing that AI is not just a technical revolution; it is a social and cultural change that relates to social justice and equality, and sustainable development, she added.
Ms Soohyun Kim said “UNESCO is committed to support Laos in charting a clear and evidence-based pathway to turn ethical principles into national policy and practice.”
UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, highlighted the UN system’s collective support to advancing digital transformation at a time when Laos plans to graduate from and progress beyond Least Developed Country status in 2026.
The UN Country Team stands ready to support Laos in harnessing technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Artificial Intelligence Ethics Readiness Assessment (RAM) country report is a critical tool for aligning AI development with national priorities such as reducing inequalities, enhancing public services, and creating opportunities for all. It ensures that Laos’ digital leap is both ambitious and accountable, leaving no one behind.
The UNESCO RAM is a comprehensive diagnostic methodology designed to help Member States evaluate their preparedness to implement the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation.
For Laos, the process involved extensive national consultations throughout 2025, engaging government agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 30, 2026)