Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

PM calls for responsible urban development at national forum

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and resilient urban development at the fourth Lao National Urban Forum, held in Vientiane on Monday under the theme “Urban Crisis Response”.
Opening the forum, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone outlined the government’s urban development priorities, including poverty alleviation, wider access to clean water and sanitation, improved waste management, better public transport, and responsible urban planning.
“We recognise that cities in Laos face critical challenges including affordable housing, waste management, flooding, and climate risks, which impact future development. Our urban future must be rooted in resilience and solidarity,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the partnership with UN-Habitat, saying that collaboration with UN agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and mass organisations is vital to achieving inclusive and sustainable urban growth.
“We deeply appreciate UN-Habitat’s ongoing partnership, which strengthens our policy framework and capacity to achieve sustainable and resilient urban development,” he said.
The forum was attended by the Mayor of Vientiane and all 17 provincial governors, development partners, academics, community representatives, and private sector stakeholders.
It coincided with World Habitat Day, the 70th anniversary of Laos’ membership in the United Nations, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, according to a press release from UN-Habitat in the Lao PDR. 
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Leklai Sivilay, praised the strong coordination between central and local governments.
“We are committed to transforming policy into sustainable outcomes. The ministry remains dedicated to building urban centres that ensure adequate housing for all, guided by our 2030 vision and the New Urban Agenda,” he said.
UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, highlighted the urgency of climate-responsive urban planning.
“Building resilient cities is no longer optional but a necessity. By aligning urban growth with national priorities and empowering youth, we can ensure a safe, inclusive, and sustainable future,” he said.
Head of UN-Habitat in Lao PDR, Dr Avi Sarkar, emphasised the role of cities as catalysts for economic growth and resilience.
“Cities are more than places where people live; they are engines of growth and resilience. The forum offers a valuable platform to turn urban challenges into opportunities,” he said.
A key innovation in this year’s forum was its dual-city format, with a continuation scheduled in Pakse city on October 17. This aims to bring voices from the southern provinces—particularly those affected by tourism-driven urbanisation—into the national dialogue.
More than 100 volunteers, mobilised through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, participated in the event. Their involvement helped connect policy discussions with real-life community experiences.
The forum featured exhibitions and thematic sessions covering topics such as climate adaptation, financing urban resilience, and the integration of Nationally Determined Contributions into urban development strategies.
Participants pledged to strengthen urban governance frameworks, scale up youth and community engagement, and integrate crisis response into both national and local urban planning strategies.
This year’s forum brought together more than 200 participants, demonstrating the growing momentum behind national urban development goals.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 7, 2025)