Luang prabang: For many people in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), accessing basic public services-such as birth registration, business licenses, or land certificates-has long been a costly and time-consuming challenge. Multiple visits to different government offices, high service fees, and long travel distances have often left citizens, particularly in rural and remote areas, underserved.
According to Lao News Agency, to address these barriers, the government of the Lao PDR, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), introduced One Door Service Centers (ODSCs)-a model that consolidates essential public services under one roof. ODSCs streamline procedures, reduce costs, and improve access to services by offering them in a single, citizen-friendly location. They aim to eliminate duplication, enhance transparency, and better respond to public needs.
With backing from UNDP and the Government of Ireland through the Lao PDR Efficiency and Accessibility of Public Services (LEAP) Project, ODSCs are being transformed into modern service hubs. These centers connect people more effectively with their government and ensure that no one is left behind, including women, ethnic minorities, and those living in remote communities. To date, 73 ODSCs are operating across the country.
On Saturday afternoon, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, visited the Luang Prabang ODSC as part of her official mission to Lao PDR. The visit underscored UNDP’s continued support for inclusive, citizen-centered public service delivery as a vital part of the country’s digital transformation journey.
Ms. Wignaraja was welcomed by the Vice Governor of Luang Prabang Province, Mrs. Sirphone Souphanthong, and joined by provincial leaders, national officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and local beneficiaries, including women, youth, and members of ethnic minority groups.
The visit featured opening remarks and a guided tour of the ODSC, led by the Head of the Center. During the tour, progress from the LEAP Project was showcased, highlighting infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of digital tools across ODSCs in the province.
A key moment of the event was the announcement of an upcoming handover of ICT equipment to the Luang Prabang ODSC. This was symbolized by a ceremonial banner representing UNDP’s commitment to strengthening digital governance. Ms. Wignaraja and the Vice Governor also participated in the handover of birth certificates to local citizens, underscoring the center’s vital role in providing timely access to documents that enable access to education, healthcare, and social protection.
Participants acknowledged that the Luang Prabang ODSC has become a model for integrated, people-centered public service delivery. It demonstrates how local leadership, community engagement, and digital innovation can expand access to services and contribute to both the Smart City agenda and the National Strategy on Public Services through the One Door Service Mechanism 2030.
As Lao PDR advances its digital transformation, Ms. Wignaraja emphasized the need for increased government investment to sustain and expand ODSCs as key pillars of the Luang Prabang Smart City initiative and the national service delivery strategy.
Looking ahead, UNDP remains committed to working hand in hand with the government of the Lao PDR, Ireland-our valued donor-and the people of Luang Prabang to scale up these innovations, mobilize resources, and ensure that public services work for everyone.