Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane (left) and former Deputy Prime Minister, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Honorary President of the Lao Diplomats Club, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, lead a seminar on Wednesday.

Diplomats call for adaptation to shifting global trends

Senior diplomats have called for Laos to adapt to an increasingly complex global environment, highlighting diplomacy as key to turning challenges into development opportunities.
The seminar, titled “The Current Global Situation: Opportunities and Challenges for the Lao PDR”, was organised on Wednesday by the Lao Diplomats Club as part of its 2026 programme of activities.
The gathering reviewed current regional and global developments and explored both opportunities and challenges arising from the rapidly evolving international environment.
Discussions focused on how Laos can better position itself to respond to external shifts and mitigate potential risks affecting the global community and the country.
The event was presided over by former Politburo Member of the Party Central Committee, former Deputy Prime Minister, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Honorary President of the Lao Diplomats Club, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
Participants included former ambassadors and diplomats, ministry officials, members of the Executive Committee of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and business operators.
Speakers and participants engaged in constructive and candid exchanges of views on regional and international issues, strengthening participants’ understanding of global trends and their implications for national development.
Director General of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vatthouniyom Duangmala, stressed the importance of applying insights gained from the seminar to practical work, particularly in research and foreign affairs.
He highlighted the role of economic diplomacy in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in advancing the nation’s interests in the international arena.
The Lao Diplomats Club plans to organise similar events throughout the year to facilitate informed policy dialogue and strengthened international engagement.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 20, 2026)