Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, June 19, 2025-The Global Green Growth Institute Lao PDR, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, conducted a workshop to discuss an initiative aimed at assessing sectoral resilience to climate change in Lao PDR. Through a sector-wide Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), the country is seeking to understand where its most significant exposure to climate risks in each sector, and determine how solutions can be implemented to minimize the impact of climate change. 

This assessment is part of the “Support for Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Sectoral Planning in Lao PDR” project funded by the Green Climate Fund. It aims to highlight key questions: how have sectors such as agriculture and forestry, urban development, and water resources faced threats from changing weather patterns? And how will climate uncertainty impact each field of work? The CRVA report is a main outcome of this initiative, crafted to support the development of inclusive sectoral climate adaptation plans for three sectors. It identifies clear priorities and offers guidance on where to allocate resources, strengthen systems, and protect vulnerable sectors. With a solid understanding of how climate risks affect different sectors, Lao PDR will be better prepared to develop more strategic, inclusive, and resilient adaptation strategies. 

The workshop was chaired by Ms. Tuenchit Alounlasy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), and co-chaired by Ms. Dagmar Zwebe, Country Representative to GGGI Lao PDR. The event brought together over 35 participants from three key sectors of the project: agriculture and forestry, urban development, and water resources, as well as representatives from three key organizations.  

Ms. Tuenchit Alounlasy stated that “This meeting marks a pivotal gathering, as its outcomes will serve as a baseline for shaping a robust framework to assess climate risks and vulnerabilities of three key sectors in Lao PDR. This foundation will significantly enhance our ability to identify priority actions and craft targeted, evidence-based solutions, ultimately strengthening our proposals for climate financing and support.”  

This gathering is not only an opportunity to highlight the progress made so far, but more importantly, to gain valuable insights and constructive feedback on CRVA’s development. Each perspective, shared and rooted in sectoral expertise and grounded in practical experience, is essential to ensure the assessment addresses the real and pressing climate challenges faced by each sector, added Ms. Dagmar Zwebe. 

This steppingstone toward resilience also sets the stage for collaborative planning. As the findings appear, more relevant stakeholders, particularly the private sector, will be engaged in the next phase of the process. This inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach will ensure that adaptation efforts reflect sectoral needs and local realities and strengthen the bonds between national adaptation goals and on-the-ground implementation.