March 14, 2019, Vientiane –  The GGGI Lao PDR team, led by Dr. Jason Lee, its Country Representative and Ms. Annaka Peterson, Senior Officer, had a meeting with Mr. Keophilavanh Aphaylath, Vice Governor of the Vientiane capital along with representatives from departments within the City of Vientiane. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce GGGI and its broader work in Vientiane as well as Lao PDR’s membership to GGGI.

The GGGI Laos office was officially opened in January 2017 to support the Government of Lao PDR to deliver green growth and sustainable development, in particular, the sectors of green cities, climate change, water and energy. In the Vientiane capital, GGGI will be working closely with the Vientiane Office of Management and Service (VCOMS) to implement a project on solid waste management (SWM). The KOICA funded project will be focusing on increasing waste collection rates and implementing waste-to-resources approaches. Currently, GGGI works with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Vientiane Department of Public Work and Transport on Sustainable Transport Project to promote electric motorcycles and electric bus. GGGI also works with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Kaisonphomvihane city and Khammouan district on a Green Climate Fund Readiness Support project focusing on building green climate resilient cities.

The Vice Governor of Vientiane Capital expressed his acknowledgment and support to the GGGI program. He mentioned that GGGI’s work is well aligned with “6 Development Policies” of Lao PDR and emphasized that “GGGI programs and projects are truly in line with our development approach, particularly the “6 S” policies. Solid Waste is definitely in line with our Green, Clean policies while sustainable public transportation resolves the problem of traffic congestion and road accident.” The Governor also expressed that climate change is a critical issue which needs many efforts from all concerned parties to make a change. However, more understanding of climate change is still required among critical stakeholders.

The meeting noted the importance of future collaboration between the Vientiane Capital and GGGI.