AGP Executive Report

Clean Energy in Schools: Laos launched its first “Green Energy TO Zero-Carbon Library” in Luang Prabang, with China’s Zhejiang Province support—solar power, energy storage, and EV charging rolled into a new learning space at Peace Secondary School. Child-Focused Environment: UNICEF urged sustained investment for children as Laos nears LDC graduation, highlighting a “safe and clean environment for children” in its 2027–2031 country programme. Coal and Local Impacts: In Phongsaly, officials inspected Phongsaly Fuhai Coal’s operations and exports, urging the company to meet obligations and protect the environment while supplying cement makers and exporting to China. Rare Earth Pressure Nearby: A report on Laos’s emerging rare earth sector points to growing interest in heavy rare earth supply chains tied to China, raising questions for environmental safeguards as mining expands. Regional Security Meets Climate: ASEAN discussions flagged transnational crime risks across borders, while broader climate warnings from regional lawmakers stressed that neglecting climate change harms health, food, and energy security. Disaster Response Link: Laos sent condolences to Nepal after deadly floods, underscoring shared vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for stronger disaster preparedness.

Coal and environment watch: In Phongsaly, officials inspected Phongsaly Fuhai Coal’s 57.2 sq km underground operations, noting 17,865 tons exported this year and urging the firm to protect the environment while meeting state obligations. Cross-border green cooperation: Laos and China’s Zhejiang province agreed to set up a coordination mechanism, with environmental protection listed among priority areas. UXO and humanitarian diplomacy: Laos is fully prepared to host the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 13–18), aiming to mobilize more support for unexploded ordnance clearance. Regional media for sustainability: The Lancang-Mekong Media Dialogue pushed for joint reporting on shared issues like sustainable agriculture, cross-border tourism, and public health. Climate risk reminder: A parliamentary warning highlighted how climate change is hitting economies and public health, with Nepal’s floods cited as a stark example. SCO summit backdrop: Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith is expected at the SCO leaders’ summit in Bishkek on Sept 1 in Bishkek, where regional agendas will be discussed.

Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos is fully prepared to host the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane on Sept 13–18, with logistics and field visits set and 500+ delegates already registered online, aiming to adopt key outcome documents and renew momentum on unexploded ordnance (UXO) cleanup. Wildlife Enforcement: In Bolikhamxay, authorities inspected seized items from a major illegal wildlife trafficking case, including 1,755.6 kg of ivory-like parts and two panther-like carcasses, with 11 foreign suspects detained and facing prosecution under Laos wildlife laws. Green Health Care: A Vientiane dissemination meeting rolled out the Green Primary Health Care Project’s five-year plan and 2026 action plan, including environmental and social safeguards for implementation in five provinces. Flood Relief Link: Laos sent condolences to Nepal after deadly natural disasters, as regional flood impacts continue to disrupt access to clean water and services. Regional Media Cooperation: Laos’ media agency called for closer Lancang-Mekong joint reporting on shared issues like sustainable agriculture, cross-border tourism, and public health.

Cluster Munitions Prep: Laos’ National Steering Committee wrapped final preparations for the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 13–18), with logistics and field-visit plans done and 500+ delegates already registered, spotlighting Laos’ ongoing UXO humanitarian work. Regional Media Cooperation: The Lancang-Mekong Media Dialogue in China urged closer Lao media exchanges and joint reporting on shared issues like sustainable agriculture, cultural heritage, cross-border tourism, and public health. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Lao authorities inspected seized evidence in a major illegal wildlife case in Bolikhamxay, including ivory-like parts and panther-like carcasses, with suspects facing charges under wildlife and penal laws. Green Primary Health Care: Laos disseminated plans for the Green Primary Health Care Project’s five-year activities and 2026 action plan, including environmental and social safeguards across five provinces. Disaster Response Link: Laos sent condolences to Nepal after deadly flash floods, as rescue teams struggled to reach cut-off areas and restore clean water access. Tourism & Environment: CLMV tourism cooperation continued to push “One Journey, Three Destinations,” with ministers also discussing sustainable growth.

Cluster Munitions: Laos says it is fully ready to host the 3rd Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 13–18), aiming to boost international support for UXO clearance and humanitarian work. Green Health: A new Green Primary Health Care Project plan was shared in Vientiane, with ADB support, across five provinces and including environmental and social safeguards. Wildlife Crime: Laos inspected seized evidence in a major illegal wildlife trafficking case in Bolikhamxay, including ivory-like parts and big cat-like carcasses, with suspects facing charges under wildlife laws. Malaria Elimination: PSI Laos and the Health ministry signed an MoU to integrate malaria surveillance and response into the national system (Aug 2026–Feb 2028), using data for elimination and prevention. Biodiversity & Policy: Laos endorsed a biodiversity strategy and its 7th national report, and also reviewed SDG progress ahead of LDC graduation. Regional Tourism (Mekong): CLMV tourism ministers backed “Five Countries, One Destination” and “One Journey, Three Destinations,” pushing cooperation that could shape how nature-based tourism is managed.

Cluster Munitions: Laos says it is ready to host the 3rd Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane (Sept 13–18), aiming to boost international support for UXO clearance after decades of heavy contamination. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: In Bolikhamxay, Lao authorities inspected seized evidence from a major illegal wildlife trafficking case, detaining 11 foreign nationals and seizing ivory-like parts and other protected animal products. Green Health Rollout: Laos and partners held a dissemination meeting for the Green Primary Health Care Project, sharing the 5-year plan and 2026 action budget across five provinces, including environmental and social safeguards. Malaria Elimination Support: A new MoU in Vientiane will integrate malaria surveillance and response into Laos’ health system, strengthening data use for decisions and reducing the risk of disease re-establishment. Rural Development Agenda: Laos is stepping up preparations for its National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, with key programmes and projects planned to start in 2027. Tourism Cooperation: Laos joined Cambodia and Vietnam in upgrading trilateral tourism cooperation under “One Journey, Three Destinations,” with a 2026–2028 action plan.

Illegal Wildlife Crackdown: Laos’ ministers inspected seized evidence from a major ivory-like wildlife trafficking case in Bolikhamxay, following an Aug. 16 raid at Nonesavanh Resort that led to 11 foreign suspects detained and large quantities of animal parts and carcasses seized. Green Health Rollout: A dissemination meeting in Vientiane shared plans for the Green Primary Health Care Project’s five-year activities and 2026 action plan, including environmental and social safeguards for five target provinces. Governance & Integrity Support: Laos and Luxembourg launched an extra EUR 2.4 million to extend a rule-of-law and good-governance programme through 2027, backing efforts to strengthen Laos’ anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing framework. Rural Development Agenda: Laos is preparing to implement its National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, with key programmes and projects expected to start in 2027. Sustainable Malaria Elimination: A new MoU in Vientiane will integrate malaria surveillance and response into Laos’ national health system, using data-driven decision-making to prevent disease re-establishment.

Governance & Finance: Laos and Luxembourg launched an extra EUR 2.4 million to extend a rule-of-law and good-governance programme through 2027, backing Laos’ anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing push as it responds to APG and FATF scrutiny. Public Health & Data Systems: Laos signed a MoU to support “Promoting Sustainable Malaria Elimination through System Integration,” aiming to fold malaria surveillance and response into the national health system and strengthen DHIS2-based decision-making from 2026 to 2028. Disaster Readiness & Costs: The government’s monthly meeting focused on flood relief, fuel and commodity prices, and disaster preparedness after flash floods hit multiple provinces. Rural Development: Laos is stepping up preparations for its National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, with key programmes planned to start in early 2027. Biodiversity & Environment Policy: Laos endorsed a biodiversity strategy and its 7th national report, signaling continued work on conservation planning. Regional Environment Watch: UN warned Myanmar’s human rights crisis is worsening, driven by illegal mining and scam economies—an environmental and governance red flag for the region.

Greener Energy Update: Laos is revising its 2017 Electricity Law after a week-long review, aiming to support a more modern, greener power system—making it easier for households and businesses to generate power and buy directly from producers, and planning for hydropower less reliance through resource diversification. Biodiversity Commitments: Laos has endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, setting up next steps for biodiversity work ahead of CBD COP17. Disaster & Cost Pressures: The government’s monthly meeting focused on flood relief after flash floods hit eight provinces, alongside fuel and commodity price management and revised laws. Rural Development Drive: Laos is preparing to implement its National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, with key programmes expected to start in early 2027. Health & Malaria Elimination: A new MoU in Vientiane will integrate malaria surveillance and response into Laos’ national health system, supported by PSI and Gates Foundation funding through Feb 2028. Private Donations for Recovery: Businesses donated LAK 19 billion for natural disaster recovery, with calls for transparent, effective spending.

Health & Resilience: Laos signed a MoU to integrate malaria surveillance and response into the national health system, with the Gates-funded PSI Laos project running Aug 2026–Feb 2028 and aiming for government-managed integration by 2027. Biodiversity Policy: Laos endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, to guide conservation work ahead of CBD COP17 and support the Kunming-Montreal framework. SDG Governance: The government is streamlining SDG, LDC and LLDC coordination under one focal point, ahead of Laos’ expected LDC graduation in Nov 2026 and preparation of VNR4 for 2027. Disaster & Cost Pressure: In its monthly meeting, leaders focused on flood relief after impacts in eight provinces, plus fuel and commodity price management and revised laws. Energy Transition: Laos is updating its Electricity Law to enable more direct power buying, household generation, and reduced hydropower dependence. Tourism Push: Laos is seeking stronger tourism ties with India for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, pitching cultural and natural heritage to Indian visitors.

Flood Relief & Cost Pressures: Laos’ monthly government meeting in Vientiane put flood relief, fuel and commodity prices, and disaster preparedness front and center after flash floods hit eight provinces. Biodiversity Policy: Laos endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, aiming to guide conservation ahead of CBD COP17. SDG Governance: The SDGs committee reviewed progress as Laos prepares for UN graduation from LDC status in November, including plans to streamline sustainable development management. Energy Transition: Laos is updating its Electricity Law to support a greener, more modern system, including more room for households and businesses to generate power and diversify away from hydropower. Disaster Recovery Funding: Businesses donated LAK 19 billion for natural-disaster recovery, with calls for transparent, effective spending. Tourism & Nature: Laos was named a top “must-visit” destination for 2027, highlighting forests, rivers and cultural heritage—an opportunity that also raises the stakes for sustainable tourism. Regional Climate Context: Reports on El Niño intensification point to hotter, drier and more disruptive monsoon conditions across parts of mainland Southeast Asia, with Laos likely to feel knock-on impacts.

Flood & Cost Pressures: Laos’ August monthly government meeting in Vientiane focused on flood relief after flash floods hit eight provinces, alongside fuel and commodity price pressures and revised laws. Disaster Recovery Funding: Businesses donated a combined LAK 19 billion for natural-disaster recovery, with the Prime Minister urging transparent, effective delivery. Biodiversity Commitments: Laos endorsed its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and the 7th National Report, ahead of CBD COP17, to guide conservation and unlock partnerships. SDG Governance Overhaul: Laos is streamlining SDG management by consolidating national bodies under one focal point, as it prepares for UN LDC graduation in November 2026 and a VNR4 report. Wildlife Crime Alert: Laos seized nearly 1.8 tonnes of suspected ivory and a black panther in a Bolikhamxay raid, underscoring enforcement needs for biodiversity protection. Tourism & Nature Planning: A new masterplan for “Truthful Hills” near Vang Vieng (522 hectares) is pitched as nature-led, low-impact development with protection of water systems and ecological corridors. Livestock for Exports: Laos reviewed steps to control animal diseases via vaccination, registration, and disease-control systems aligned with international export standards. Regional Climate Context: A report warns that intensifying El Niño could drive hotter, drier conditions and health risks across the region, with Laos likely to feel knock-on impacts through rainfall and disaster patterns.

SDG Overhaul: Laos is streamlining its sustainable development management by merging SDG, LDC and LLDC work under one focal point, ahead of UN recognition of its LDC graduation in November 2026. Biodiversity Commitments: The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has endorsed Laos’ National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 and its 7th National Report, to be submitted ahead of CBD COP17 and aligned with the Kunming-Montreal framework. Livestock for Exports: Laos is stepping up animal disease prevention—vaccination, registration, and disease-control systems—to meet international standards and support exports of live animals and meat. Nature-Based Tourism Push: Gensler unveiled a 522-hectare masterplan for “Truthful Hills” near Vang Vieng, aiming for low-impact mobility and stronger protection of water systems and ecological corridors. Wildlife Under Pressure: A new regional report flags many threatened oak species across Laos and neighboring countries as facing high human pressure, calling for targeted surveys and expanded protected areas. Flood Risk: Laos issued heavy-rain warnings as flooding hit several areas, with more heavy rain expected.

Housing & Livelihoods: In Laos’ region, Ayala Land’s BellaVita Naga begins turning over 110 homes (out of 1,011) to qualified city employees, with utilities and road works in place—an example of how affordable housing can stabilize working families. Tourism & Nature: Laos Ambassador Vithaya Xayavong urged stronger tourism cooperation with India ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, pitching Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Wat Phou and Hin Namno as must-sees. SDGs & Sustainability Governance: Laos’ SDG committee reviewed progress as the country prepares for LDC graduation in 2026, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone calling for faster delivery on lagging goals and better monitoring systems. Climate & Health Risk: Regional reporting links intensifying El Niño to extreme heat and higher health risks across Asia, including faster mosquito and dengue dynamics—relevant for Laos’ climate resilience planning. Wildlife & Forest Threats: A new regional study warns many threatened oak species in Laos and neighboring countries face heavy human pressure, calling for targeted surveys and stronger protected areas. Livestock & Exports: Laos is stepping up animal disease prevention—vaccination, registration, and movement controls—to meet international standards for meat and live-animal exports.

SDG Watch: Laos’ SDG committee met in Vientiane to review progress ahead of the country’s 2026 LDC graduation, with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urging faster action on lagging goals, clearer responsibilities, and stronger monitoring and databases. Livestock & Trade Readiness: Laos is stepping up animal disease prevention to improve meat quality and meet export-market standards, including wider vaccination, animal registration, and tighter controls on animal movement and products. Nature-Led Tourism Planning: Gensler unveiled a 522-hectare masterplan for “Truthful Hills” near Vang Vieng, aiming for low-impact mobility, protection of waterways, and conservation of ecological corridors as the area shifts toward higher-value nature tourism. Wildlife Conservation Pressure: A new regional report flags threatened oak diversity across Southeast Asia, including Laos, calling for targeted surveys and expanded protected areas plus restoration planting. Climate Risk Context: With El Niño intensifying, Laos readers are likely to feel knock-on impacts across the region—heat, drought risk, and shifting rainfall patterns that can stress water and agriculture. Tourism Diplomacy: Laos’ ambassador to India urged stronger tourism ties for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, pitching Luang Prabang and other natural and cultural sites to Indian visitors.

Border Security: Nghe An border guards held talks with Laos provinces Xiengkhouang, Bolikhamsai and Houaphanh, signing MOUs to tighten control at gates and trails, share information, and crack down on drug trafficking and illegal crossings. Education & Environment Link: Laos is moving to cut student dropouts and improve teaching quality, citing gaps in teacher capacity, learning materials, monitoring, and pressures including drug-related problems. Nature-Led Tourism Planning: Gensler unveiled a 522-hectare masterplan for Truthful Hills near Vang Vieng, aiming for low-impact mobility, protection of waterways and ecological corridors, and phased development around karst landscapes. Climate & Health Risk: A regional heatwave report warns that extreme heat tied to a strong El Niño could worsen health impacts and boost mosquito activity linked to dengue. Biodiversity Alarm: A new study flags many threatened oak species across Laos and the region as under high human pressure, calling for targeted surveys, stronger protected areas, and restoration planting. Clean Energy Push: Laos accelerates its clean energy transition ahead of Clean Energy Day 2026 in Vientiane on Sept 3.