Senior officials from key sectors attend the Second LNUF Forum 2025 in Pakse.

UN-Habitat and Pakse host second phase of LNUF 2025, advancing nationwide vision for sustainable and inclusive cities

The Second Phase of the Fourth Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF) 2025 concluded successfully in Pakse, Champasak province, on October 17, marking a significant step forward in Laos’ commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
The gathering followed the high-profile launch of the forum in Vientiane on October 6, which was officially opened by the Honorable Prime Minister.
The Forum in Pakse, aligned with the ongoing theme of “Urban Crisis Response” underscored the Lao PDR’s strong commitment to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and centered around the people.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Ngampasong Muongmany, said the 4th National Urban Forum in Pakse reflected ongoing national commitment following the event in Vientiane.
 He  said, “Cities are considered centers of human settlement globally. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and they remain the engine driving the economy of each country.”, while pointing out the Lao PDR’s socio-economic context.
Governor of Champasak province, Mr Alounxay Sounnalath, said, “A study conducted with UN-Habitat found that over the past 20 years, Pakse city’s urban built-up area has expanded by an average of 87 hectares per year (or approximately 5.6 percent annually). Keeping up with this, rapid expansion in infrastructure development for roads, electricity, water supply, and waste services, is a significant challenge”, he further added reflecting the shared commitment to safe, inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable cities aligned with SDG11 and the New Urban Agenda.
Following discussions in Vientiane, the Forum in Pakse deepened engagement with local voices, focusing on urban resilience in times of crisis.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, said while describing UN’s role mentioned that “we see our role not only as partners in policy and planning, but as allies for progress on the ground. Our commitment to urban resilience is not just written in strategies – it lives in the communities we engage with, the dialogues we facilitate, and the partnerships we help strengthen.”
Cities in the Lao PDR are rapidly changing, and Champasak University plays a vital role in socio-economic and human resource development.
Rector of Champasak University,  Dr Ms Phonsavan Thepsoulinthone, while addressing the gathering highlighted, “the Forum represents a crucial opportunity for various participating sectors to discuss, learn, exchange lessons, and express views on cooperating to develop cities and promote urban areas for the betterment of the population’s well-being, happiness, safety, and socio-economic development”.
Head of UN-Habitat in the Lao PDR, Dr Avi Sarkar, recalled the key priorities and reflected that: “the Prime Minister outlined nine key priorities that collectively define the Government’s vision for sustainable urban development – from ensuring safe housing and essential services to advancing green construction, smart city innovation, and place-based development that values each city’s unique identity”.
The Forum was widely participated by senior officials from DHUP/ MPWT, professors and students from Champasak University, UN officials and volunteers, development partners, private sector, youth and community representatives.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 22, 2025)