Dr Santisouk Simmalavong (right) and Ms Martine Therer on Tuesday co-chair a meeting to discuss the use of AI.

Laos explores AI’s role in human development

The government is stepping up efforts to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to improve people’s lives and build a more inclusive, forward-looking future.
A dialogue held in Vientiane on July 1 brought together government leaders, development partners, tech companies, civil society organisations and young people to discuss how AI could help reduce inequality and accelerate progress.
The discussion centred on the 2025 Human Development Report titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”, released globally by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in May.
The report highlights that AI has the power to reshape societies, for better or for worse. It warns that without “deliberate, inclusive, and ethically grounded choices”, AI could deepen existing inequalities and concentrate power in the hands of a few.
Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications Dr Santisouk Simmalavong said AI “has the capability to enhance efficiency, analyse data to aid decision-making, and simplify daily life”.
He said using AI in public administration could greatly improve government services and support human resource development. But he also cautioned that poor digital access and skills could leave some people behind.
The report outlines three urgent priorities: build a complementarity economy where AI works alongside humans, not against them; drive innovation with intent to serve society; and invest in people’s capabilities through education, healthcare and access to digital tools.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Martine Therer, said the most important message in the report is that “AI will not determine our future, our choices will”.
“Human development in the age of AI is not about technological inevitability, rather it is about how we design,” she added.
She stressed that ethical design and inclusive governance must guide how countries use AI to ensure it serves everyone.
The report notes that global progress in human development has slowed, and the world is facing growing uncertainty and mistrust.
Laos ranks 147 out of 193 countries, with a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.617.
While this marks a modest recovery from pre-pandemic levels, inequality remains a major challenge. When adjusted for inequality, Laos’ HDI drops to 0.462.
At the same time, 23.1 percent of the population is classed as multidimensionally poor, with another 21.2 percent at risk of falling into poverty.
The dialogue also showcased how the Ministry of Technology and Communications is working on a National Digital Economy Strategy and an AI Ethics Readiness Assessment, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Ms Therer said these efforts are timely, as the government prepares its 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and Laos moves closer to graduating from Least Developed Country status.
The dialogue was part of UNDP’s broader support for strategic foresight in national planning, including the use of AI to spot emerging trends, anticipate risks, and help Laos build a more resilient future.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 2, 2025)