Lao PDR, July 4, 2023 – The Lao government in Pakse, in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute Lao PDR (GGGI Lao PDR), has successfully launched the inaugural Green City Action Plan in Lao PDR. The Green City Action Plan aims at transforming cities in Lao PDR into livable, low carbon, and climate-resilient urban centers, offering sustainable and inclusive urban services to all residents while fostering socio-economic development.
The first Green City Action Plan focuses on the development of Pakse, located in the Champasak province, as a model city to translate the vision into tangible actions. To achieve this, Pakse has established high-level strategic objectives, including improving the quality of life for its citizens through sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban services, such as solid waste management, wastewater management, and urban mobility. Furthermore, the plan aims to enhance urban resilience to natural and climatic risks and increase access to public green spaces, with the ultimate goal of transforming Pakse into a livable, green, clean, and sustainable city by 2030.
On July 4th, 2023, the government of Champasak province organized a dissemination workshop in Pakse city to officially launch the very first Green City Action Plan for the city. The workshop facilitated interactive discussions on the fruitful collaboration and successful development of the plan, as well as highlighting the needs for prompt implementation as a top priority for Pakse city and Champasak province. This launch marks an important milestone in the city’s journey toward sustainable development, and paves the way for future cities to follow suit.
While the Green City Action Plan for Pakse city is completed and being transformed into implementation, GGGI remains committed to developing a similar plan for Vientiane Capital. Both plans are part of the larger Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Capacity Building Project for City Environment Improvement in Lao PDR. The successful development of these plans has been made possible through a financial contribution of $2.6 million from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), highlighting international support for sustainable urban development in Lao PDR.
By launching the Green City Action Plan in Lao PDR, the government and GGGI are taking significant steps to create sustainable and resilient cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents while fostering socio-economic growth. These plans not only address immediate challenges but also unlock green finance for the development of sustainable cities through its priority actions and projects outlined in the plan, and pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future for Lao PDR.
