Vientiane, Lao PDR – 27 February 2025 – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Lao PDR (MoNRE), supported by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as Technical Lead, has kickstarted the process of preparing the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0). 

The workshop aims to engage all relevant stakeholders in developing the NDC 3.0. MoNRE presented a plan, outlined support needs to ensure an inclusive process, and provided an update on the implementation of NDC 2.0.

The workshop was chaired by Mr. Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), and Mr. Dao Xuan Lai, Deputy Resident Representative (UNDP). It was attended by government ministries responsible for health, energy and mines, agriculture and forestry, foreign affairs, and industry and commerce, as well as the Vientiane City Office for Management and Service (VCOMS). UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, and WHO, along with development partners including GIZ, WWF, and others, were also present.

Discussions focused on cutting emissions in priority sectors such as agriculture, forestry, land use, energy, and waste management. The workshop underscored the importance of the coherence among key policies, including NDC, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the National Social Economic Development plan (NSEDP), to ensure effective investments and implementation. Participants also emphasized the need to adopt nature-based solutions and promote gender equality.

The world is experiencing accelerated climate change, with 2024 being the hottest year on record, and average temperatures exceeding the key limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The outcomes of the first Global Stocktake presented at COP 28, called on countries to submit updated and more ambitious NDCs before COP 30 in Brazil this year to keep the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement.

Lao PDR has pledged to reduce emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In its current NDC (NDC 2.0), Lao PDR set an unconditional emissions reduction target of 60% by 2030 compared to a 2020 baseline scenario, along with conditional targets covering land use, agriculture, waste and energy. These targets serve as stepping stones toward the long-term ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Mr. Phouvong Luangxaysana, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) highlighted that “Despite Lao PDR being a minor contributor to global GHG emissions, the country plans to raise its ambitions further in the NDC 3.0, with financial and technical support crucial for achieving revised targets.” 

Mr. Dao Xuan Lai, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP added: “Today’s workshop serves as a call for collective actions, engagement and support from all DPs and stakeholders. Let us collaborate to strengthen partnerships and drive climate ambition, ensuring a sustainable future and enhancing the well-being of current and future generations in Lao PDR.”

The preparation of the NDC 3.0 for Lao PDR is supported by the UN system. As the technical lead, UNDP is providing assistance through its global initiative, Climate Promise, which helps countries in strengthening their climate strategies. Over the next 9-12 months, Lao PDR will refine its climate targets and engage stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and practical roadmap for implementation.