Vientiane: The meeting was chaired by Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and brought together more than 300 participants, including provincial governors and vice-governors, the Mayor of Vientiane Capital, vice-ministers from relevant line ministries, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, donors, representatives from 134 INGOs operating in the Lao PDR, and Lao civil society organisations.
According to Lao News Agency, the meeting assessed cooperation outcomes over the past four years, highlighting the contributions of INGO-implemented projects to the country’s socio-economic development. Assistance has been delivered primarily at the local level across key sectors, including humanitarian aid, education, public health, agriculture, the environment, labour and social welfare, unexploded ordnance clearance, and other priority areas.
Discussions focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms between central and local authorities. Participants examined challenges encountered in recent years, emphasising the need for a deeper understanding of existing regulations to prevent misinterpretation and ensure seamless collaboration between government entities and INGOs. The meeting also explored ways to enhance the effectiveness of project implementation to better align with sectoral and local development priorities.
In a dedicated session bringing together government representatives, INGOs, donors, development partners and Lao civil society, Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented a comprehensive overview of cooperation over the past four years. His report acknowledged both achievements and challenges, while outlining strategic directions to enhance the efficiency and impact of future partnerships.
A key agenda item was a presentation on the amended Decree on International Non-Governmental Organisations, delivered by Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith, Director General of the Department of International Organisations and Head of the Secretariat of the Committee for INGO Management. The draft amended decree has been reviewed and endorsed by the Government and is currently undergoing final revisions based on feedback from the Cabinet meeting held on 25 February 2026. The amendment process has involved extensive consultations with stakeholders at both central and local levels.
Currently, 134 INGOs are active in the Lao PDR, with total assistance valued at approximately USD 428 million for the 2022-2025 period, averaging USD 107 million annually. Over the past four years, this partnership has contributed to the Lao PDR’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and national development priorities.
The meeting proceeded in a constructive atmosphere, with exchanges among central and local authorities, INGO representatives and other stakeholders. Participants identified practical measures to address remaining challenges, improve INGO management, and enhance the effectiveness of development projects, with the goal of improving the living standards of communities across the Lao PDR.
The outcomes of this Fifth National Review Conference will inform continued collaboration, ensuring that the partnership between the Government of the Lao PDR and International Non-Governmental Organisations remains aligned with national priorities and delivers meaningful, sustainable results for the Lao people.