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Laos

Person wearing a conical hat and striped sweater stands waist-deep in a wide river at sunset, holding long bamboo poles to cast a large circular fishing net that fans out over the water; distant shoreline and soft clouded sky form a low silhouette on the horizon.

Lao PDR is navigating social and economic transition, but lasting progress depends on stronger institutions, increased opportunity, and solutions grounded in Lao realities. 

We work with government, civil society, communities, and regional partners to support more responsive institutions, expand opportunity, and help communities shape solutions to the challenges they face. In Lao PDR, we draw on long-standing local relationships and more than six decades of experience to connect national priorities with community needs—while opening new pathways to a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future. 

1,400+

Businesses and 68 government departments

Directly consulted on Lao PDR’s national economic planning (10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, 2026–2030) with 200+ policymakers participating in economic policy planning.

2,300+

Lao MSMEs trained in digital skills

Small businesses across Lao PDR strengthened their digital skills and business competitiveness through the Go Digital ASEAN program, while 2,700+ users—56% women—accessed 24,000+ free digital learning lessons on the ToolaKit app.

5,000+

Citizens accessed free legal support

Between 2019 and 2024, thousands of citizens received free legal assistance on issues including land disputes and family law, with 280+ justice officials nationwide trained on village mediation systems. Supported the development of the Legal Aid Decree, promulgated in 2018, and the Village Dispute Mediation Decree, signed by the prime minister in 2021.

7,000+

People benefited from wetland conservation efforts

Community river basin management initiatives strengthened water governance in Lao PDR, including training 300+ local officials and community members and conserving 30 hectares across Mahaxai and Xebangfai districts.

470+

Lao-language children’s books made freely available

Through the Let’s Read platform, children across Lao PDR accessed culturally relevant Lao-language storybooks, including 71 stories written by Lao children and youth. Reading activities also engaged 1,557 children, 65 teachers, and 710 parents and caregivers, helping strengthen literacy and reading culture nationwide.

130+

Rural women supported in STEM education

Provided scholarships and training to pursue STEM degrees through our partnership with the National University of Laos since 2011. To date, 91 percent of graduates have secured employment in science, engineering, IT, banking, and education sectors.

Participants engage during a community outreach session in Lao PDR, as part of the Access Justice Program, to expand fair dispute resolution for rural and vulnerable communities.
Participants engage during a community outreach session in Lao PDR, as part of the Access Justice Program, to expand fair dispute resolution for rural and vulnerable communities.

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