VIENTIANE: The Third Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF) kicked off on Tuesday (Dec 10) at the National University of Laos, bringing together government officials, academia, development partners, civil society, private sector representatives, and young people to advance sustainable urban development in Laos.
The event, under the theme “SDG Localisation and Partnering with Youth for Achieving SDGs”, aims to address pressing urban challenges while fostering collaboration and innovation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ngampasong Muongmany, said urban development at all levels to ensure that all people have adequate and suitable housing, one of the basic factors, is a top priority that all countries around the world attach importance to, especially UN Habitat, which hosts the World Urban Forum every year.
The growth of cities around the world is taking place rapidly, including in Laos, so the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has formulated a vision to 2030, a strategic plan for 2022-2030, and an action plan for the period 2022-2025.
At the same time, the New Urban Agenda and the principles of sustainable urban development have been implemented, Ngampasong said.
“This forum provides a critical opportunity to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our shared commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. Urbanisation is not just a challenge—it is an opportunity to drive economic growth, enhance social inclusion, and safeguard our environment,” the Minister stated.
The Lao National Urban Forum is an annual event that brings together stakeholders to promote inclusive urban development and foster partnerships for sustainable cities..
The forum this year is co-organised by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the National University of Laos, focusing on SDG localisation, youth engagement, and fostering partnerships to advance the principles of the New Urban Agenda.
Keynote speakers highlighted that Laos is experiencing one of the highest urbanisation rates globally, with projections indicating that nearly 50 percent of the population will reside in urban areas by 2030.
This underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that incorporate the perspectives and participation of all stakeholders.
Addressing the participants, the UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Bakhodir Burkhanov, highlighted the transformative potential of urbanisation.
He said “I am particularly inspired by this forum’s emphasis on youth engagement, as young people are indispensable to shaping inclusive and forward-looking urban futures. It is through their participation, ideas and energy that we can ensure cities become engines of innovation and opportunity for all.”
The third Lao National Urban Forum provides a platform for stakeholders from across various sectors to discuss pressing urban challenges and opportunities in Laos.
With a focus on sustainable urban development and achieving the SDGs, the five-day event features diverse sessions covering topics such as flood risk management through nature-based solutions, youth and community empowerment, and innovations in waste management.
The forum will also address regional challenges like plastic pollution and rural-urban migration while fostering dialogue on responsible agricultural investments and urban water sustainability.
Key highlights include panels on SDG localisation, smart cities, health and climate co-benefits, and the implementation of Asean sustainable urbanisation agendas in Laos.
Building on the successes and learnings of previous urban forums in Laos, this event will deepen discussions on inclusive development, youth engagement, and innovative approaches to urban challenges.
Sessions led by organisations such as UN-Habitat, the World Bank, UNDP, and UNFPA will draw on outcomes and insights from earlier forums to promote continuity and progress in SDG localisation and sustainable urban practices.
The forum will culminate in actionable recommendations for urban resilience, infrastructure management, and cross-sectoral partnerships, creating a roadmap that aligns with the ongoing urban transformation efforts in Laos.
Dr Avi Sarkar, Head of UN-Habitat Lao PDR, spoke of the vital role of forums like the LNUF. “This gathering showcases the power of local action for global impact. Empowering youth and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships will enable us to address the pressing challenges of urbanisation and create cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said. - Vientiane Times/ANN
