Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR – 27 May 2026 — The National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other DPs partnered with the National Assembly, and with support from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (RLS), convened a five day Intersession Programme for newly elected Members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies, held from 25 to 29 May 2026 in Vientiane Capital. 

The programme brought together Members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies, former parliamentarians, Government representatives, international parliamentary experts, regional parliamentary organizations, United Nations agencies, and development partners to strengthen understanding of parliamentary roles and responsibilities while supporting dialogue on Lao PDR’s national development priorities. 

The first two days of the programme focused on induction for new Members, strengthening their understanding of the constitutional foundations of the National Assembly, legislative processes, parliamentary oversight, accountability mechanisms, and representative functions. Through presentations, comparative experiences, and panel discussions, Members engaged with national and international experts on practical approaches to law-making, parliamentary inquiry, oversight tools, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. 

The programme also included a high-level thematic policy dialogue on “National Development Priorities and the Role of the Assembly”, aimed at strengthening understanding of key policy issues linked to the implementation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP 2026–2030).  

The dialogue examined the crucial relationships between macroeconomic stability, green growth, public finance, and human capital development, including education, social protection, and employment. Concurrently, participants explored how parliamentary institutions can support effective implementation, highlighting the vital role of evidence-based policymaking, budget alignment, monitoring systems, citizen representation, and rigorous oversight and accountability of the NSEDP. 

As Lao PDR advances implementation of the 10th NSEDP and continues its development transition, strengthening the role of parliamentary institutions remains critical to ensuring that national policies and reforms effectively respond to citizens’ priorities and contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development. 

Through this initiative, UNDP among other Development Partners supported the National Assembly to strengthen its institutional capacity to contribute to inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance. The programme aimed to strengthen Members’ understanding of parliamentary functions, legislative processes, oversight mechanisms, and engagement with national development priorities linked to implementation of the 10th NSEDP. 

Reflecting on the programme, Tamara Khulordava, Senior Parliamentary Expert, UNDP, noted that:  

“Members of Parliament come from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, and taking up parliamentary responsibilities is both an honour and a significant responsibility. Sessions such as these help Members discuss their mandate, exchange experiences with parliamentary peers, and strengthen their ability to legislate and carry out oversight in support of citizens and national priorities.” 

UNDP and the Office of the UN Resident supported the organization of the programme and thematic policy dialogue, working closely with the National Assembly International Cooperation and Management Secretariat, guided by the National Assembly Cabinet Office. The programme involved technical contributions from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and former Parliamentarians of the National Assembly’s 9th Legislature, former parliamentarians from other countries, the World Bank, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and United Nations agencies including the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, ILO, UNICEF WHO, UNEP and UNDP. Development partners such as The Asia Foundation, PCAsia, GIZ/CEGGA II, and Lux-Dev also contributed. 

This joint effort reaffirms United Nations’ commitment to supporting effective, inclusive, and accountable governance in Lao PDR and to advancing the implementation of the 10th NSEDP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

UNDP’s ongoing work with the National Assembly and People’s Provincial Assemblies is made possible through generous contributions from Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Republic of Korea via the Funding Windows. As UNDP’s primary mechanism for flexible and pooled thematic funding, the Funding Windows enables UNDP to respond swiftly and comprehensively to needs and emerging challenges across the world.