News

GGGI co-organizes a Green Growth Forum in Lao PDR

On December 21, GGGI co-organized a Green Growth Forum in Lao PDR. The Forum brought together stakeholders across line ministries and development partners to discuss green growth and potential priorities for the national green growth strategy, which is currently being formulated.

In 2014, the Government of Lao PDR set its sights on pursuit of green growth. Implementation of that vision picked up speed earlier this year with the launch of the process to formulate the national green growth strategy, expected to be finalized in the second half of 2018. H.E. Dr. Kikeo Chanthaboury, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment and deputy chair of the national committee charged with formulating Lao PDR’s national green growth strategy, highlighted the importance of ensuring no one is left behind as Lao grows and develops, reminding us that social inclusion and poverty reduction is a key priority for Lao PDR in its pursuit of green growth.

During the Forum, GGGI shared the results of the Green Growth Potential Assessment for Lao PDR. The assessment identifies six priorities areas for Lao PDR: agriculture and fisheries, energy, urban development, tourism, forestry, and education. The Forum also dedicated time to discuss the importance of gender equality in the pursuit of green growth. Highlighting the impact climate change can have on women and the importance of creating green jobs for both men and women.

One of the key challenges facing many countries, including Lao PDR, is mobilizing the financial resources to implement green growth initiatives. So the Forum also dedicated some time to discuss this challenges and opportunities to tap into climate finance like the Green Climate Fund to help mobilize additional public and private investments in the country’s priorities.

Green growth is a long-term endeavor. Mr. Syviengxay Oraboune, Acting Director General at the National Institute of Economic Research (NIER), highlighted the importance of opportunities like this Green Growth Forum, to talk more concretely about the national green growth priorities and working across line ministries to deliver on the 2030 vision for Lao PDR.