Ms Phonevanh Outhavong and Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov co-chaired the meeting last week.

Laos to establish Population Policy Coordination Committee

The Lao government is setting up the Population Policy Coordination Committee (PPCC) to advance national development goals and ensure effective implementation of the National Population and Development Policy for 2019-2030.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment held a consultation meeting in Vientiane last week, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners, to discuss the committee’s role in addressing demographic challenges.
According to the UNFPA, the committee will oversee population-related policies and coordinate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reproductive health, youth empowerment, gender equality, ageing, migration and population data management.
It will also monitor progress on commitments made at international forums, including the International Conference on Population and Development.
The Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Ms Phonevanh Outhavong, said the committee will serve as a platform to integrate population dynamics into development planning.
“By enhancing coordination among ministries, provinces and partners, the PPCC will serve as a powerful platform to translate our National Population and Development Policy (NPDP 2019–2030) into meaningful action,” she said.
With 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, Laos has a unique opportunity to invest in human capital and drive economic growth. The committee will work across sectors to implement policies that support inclusive and sustainable development.
The initiative follows recommendations from the National Conference on Population and Development held in 2023 and lessons learned from a study visit to Cambodia. The committees Terms of Reference and Concept Note have been developed with input from stakeholders to ensure they align with Laos’ needs.
The UNFPA Representative to Laos, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, said the committee will improve coordination, monitoring and resource mobilisation for population-related priorities.
“Establishing the Population Policy Coordination Committee is a timely and strategic step toward strengthening national mechanisms for the implementation of the Population and Development Policy,” he said.
The committee will be chaired by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, with representatives from all line ministries, provincial and district authorities, civil society, and international organisations.
The initiative is one of 14 key recommendations from the National Conference on Population and Development held in 2023 and aligns with commitments made at the 7th Asian and Pacific Population Conference and the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update March 27, 2025)