Ms Sisomboun Ounavong, Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith, and Dr Avi Sarkar, alongside the District Governor of Xayphouthong, visit the construction site of the Xayphouthong water treatment project.

Strengthening Climate & Disaster Resilience: Joint Government-UN-Habitat Field Mission to Savannakhet

A Joint Government-UN-Habitat Field Mission was conducted to review and strengthen the cooperation and collaboration between the Government of Laos and UN-Habitat, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable urban development, climate change, infrastructure resilience, and improved public services.
Led by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the mission included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and UN-Habitat. 
The mission assessed ongoing joint initiatives and explored avenues for deeper engagement. A key focus of the visit was the Adaptation Fund-financed climate-resilient water supply project, which is improving access to safe water for over 65,000 residents in vulnerable small towns.
Beyond climate resilience, discussions during the visit covered broader development priorities, including urban planning, infrastructure investments, and strengthening local governance for sustainable growth.
By engaging with local stakeholders and assessing project implementation firsthand, the delegation reinforced the commitment to ensuring that urban and rural communities across Laos benefit from long-term, inclusive development strategies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of MPI, Ms Sisomboun Ounavong, said “This joint field visit serves as an opportunity to assess the progress of our partnership with UN-Habitat and further strengthen our collaboration in achieving the targets set under the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan.”
She further stressed the importance of joint monitoring for alignment with national priorities set in the 9th NSEDP.
Director General of the Department of International Organisations of MOFA, Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith  said “These projects will aid the country in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals.” She emphasised the long-term benefits of climate-adaptive infrastructure for local communities, contributing to SDGs 6, 11 and 13.
The mission visited Xayphouthong district, where significant activities on urban planning, climate risk and vulnerability assessments are leading to the setting up of town-wide formalised water supply systems.
The District Governor of Xayphouthong, Ms Daovone Xaysoulian, underscored how the project will spur socio-economic development in the district, particularly benefiting women and children by improving access to clean water and climate-resilient infrastructure.
She noted that enhanced water supply services 24/7 would reduce health risks, improve educational outcomes, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
The mission also included a consultation session where UN-Habitat’s activities were presented by the Head of Country Office, Dr Avi Sarkar. Dr Sarkar said these activities span across the urban sector, water and sanitation, climate resilience, housing, and crisis response.
Key programmes such as the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, Smart Cities Strategy, Safer Cities Initiative, Lao PDR’s Voluntary Local Review, and decentralised wastewater treatment systems were presented, highlighting UN-Habitat’s contributions to integrating climate resilience into urban planning and enhancing water and sanitation services across 14 provinces.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning at MPWT, Ms Bannaseng Syphoxay, emphasised the long-standing cooperation and collaboration with UN-Habitat in the areas of urban planning, housing, and water and sanitation infrastructure.
Recognising Laos’ vulnerability to floods and droughts, the Government and UN-Habitat are strengthening disaster resilience, scaling up climate-adaptive infrastructure, and fostering inclusive urban governance.
Inter-ministerial coordination remains critical, as noted by Ms Sisomboun Ounavong, who emphasised that a unified approach is key to long-term success.
This mission highlights tangible progress and a renewed commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban development in Laos.

Government officials, UN-Habitat and the District Governor of Sethamouak visit the construction site of the Sethamouak water supply project.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 10, 2025)