The focus areas for the UN-Habitat Lao PDR have been identified and organized along three pillars reflecting three out of four strategic priorities of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026 and the associated Theory of Change, assumptions and risks. The Four pillars are those where UN-Habitat has committed to directly contribute, thus ensuring full harmonization and synergy with the UNSCDF 2022-2026.
Pillar 1 of UNSDCF, focusing on WASH and Shelter outputs
Pillar 2 of the UNSDCF, focusing on Urban Development and Planning and Financing for the SDGs outputs
Pillar 4 of the UNSDCF, focusing on Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment & Human Rights outputs
Pillar 4 of the UNSDCF, focusing on Green Growth, Natural Resource Management, and Resilience outputs
Lao PDR is currently pursuing 18 Sustainable Development Goals. This is one more SDG than normal. Their 18th Goal, “Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)” is unique to Lao PDR. UN-Habitat is the custodian agency for SDG 11. Additionally, UN-Habitat is supporting data collection for SDG 1 indicators and SDG 6 indicators. These are the key strategic priorities to advance sustainable urbanization as a driver of development and peace and to improve living conditions for all.
Reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities across the urban-rural continuum
Enhanced shared prosperity of cities and regions
Strengthened climate action and improved urban environment
Effective urban crisis prevention and response
These Domains of Change (DoCs) are underpinned by the social inclusion issues of human rights, gender, children, youth, older persons, and persons with disability and two cross-cutting thematic areas of resilience and safety. The four DoCs have three corresponding outcomes each which are tracked using robust indicators and milestones in the results framework and performance management plan. Over the last five years, UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Lao PDR has completed the transition from a project office with an emphasis on Water and Sanitation (aligned with DoC 1) to an integrated, multisectoral programme that supports sustainable urban development and that spans all four Domains of Change.
Building upon the foundational success of the First Lao National Urban Forum (LNUF), the Second LNUF took place in October 2023 to coincide with World Habitat Day (WHD) 2023 and its theme of WHD is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October to raise awareness of the need for adequate shelter for all. “Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery.” It was spearheaded by the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) and received technical assistance from UN-Habitat.
The Habitat Country Programme Document (HCPD) serves as a strategic guiding document whereby UN-Habitat and respective countries jointly identify and outline priority activities in mutual areas of concern such as urbanization, climate change, and basic services, among others.
This progress report summarizes highlights of 2023 achievements and lessons learned from this new way of working. It shows how we have worked in more integrated ways, seeking higher policy and programmatic coherence in our response to the most pressing needs, taking important steps towards addressing complex challenges in a more transformational manner.
