Lao People's Democratic Republic pioneers a Convergence Initiative to transform food systems and combat climate change

Vang Vieng, Lao People's Democratic Republic 24 June 2025. In an important moment for sustainable development in Southeast Asia, Lao PDR today officially launched the Convergence Initiative, a pioneering national program that integrates food systems transformation with climate action to benefit the more than millions of Lao citizens who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The two-day National High-Level Meeting and Inception Workshop brought together over 80 influential leaders representing government ministries, international development organizations, private sector companies, civil society groups, universities, and youth advocates marking the largest multi-stakeholder gathering of its kind since the recent merging of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of National Resource and Environment.

Breaking new ground in regional leadership

"Today, Lao PDR positions itself as a trailblazer in addressing two of the world's most pressing challenges simultaneously," said Mr. Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. "By joining countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, among others, as pioneers in this global initiative, Lao PDR demonstrates that innovative solutions can emerge from any nation willing to think boldly about its future."

The initiative comes at a transformative moment following the historic merger of Lao PDR's agriculture and environment ministries, creating unprecedented opportunities for coordinated action that benefits both farmers and the planet.

Real impact for rural communities

H.E. Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the human dimension of this transformation: "This is about ensuring that our farmers can feed their families while protecting the land that sustains us all. Our National Action Plan for 2025-2030 will deliver concrete improvements in income, nutrition, and resilience for rural communities across all provinces."

The initiative targets ambitious but achievable goals:

• Significantly increasing farmer household incomes through climate-smart agriculture and improved market access
• Reducing childhood malnutrition rates by strengthening nutrition-sensitive food systems
• Bringing thousands of hectares under sustainable land management practices
• Building climate resilience for vulnerable rural communities

Global recognition and support

The successful selection of Lao PDR's proposal by the UN Joint SDG Fund validates the country's strategic vision and unlocks substantial international support. UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov noted: "Financial support from the UN Joint SDG Fund is recognition of our shared commitment to a transformative agenda seizing the momentum from recent institutional reforms to drive integrated, nationally owned efforts that build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems in Lao PDR. The Convergence Initiative s foundation of strong partnerships and unified action ensures our work will deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment.

Innovation meets tradition

The initiative combines cutting-edge approaches with respect for traditional farming practices:

• Digital solutions connecting farmers directly to markets
• Climate-smart agricultural techniques that increase yields while protecting the environment
• Innovative financing mechanisms making sustainable farming accessible to smallholder farmers
• Knowledge sharing networks linking Lao farmers with regional and global best practices

Ms. Kyung Mee Kim, FAO Country Representative, highlighted the comprehensive support package: "We're not just providing funding we're delivering technical expertise, capacity building, and access to global knowledge networks that will empower Lao communities to lead their own transformation."

A model for the world

As global leaders prepare for major climate and food security summits later this year, Lao PDR's Convergence Initiative offers a practical example for other developing nations who have bene implement or planning to join the initiative. The approach demonstrates how countries can leverage their unique strengths in Lao PDR's case, rich agricultural traditions and strategic regional positioning to create solutions that work for their specific contexts.

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, participants will develop the detailed "Convergence Action Blueprint" that will guide implementation across all provinces. The initiative represents not just a policy shift, but a fundamental reimagining of how Lao PDR approaches development one that puts farmers, families, and the environment at the center of national progress.

For more information, contact:

• Mr. Alounxay Onta, Director, Division of International Cooperation, Department of Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Lao PDR (Email: [email protected])
• Dr. Rathana Peou Norbert-Munns, Senior Agrifood System policy expert and Climate Foresight Planning Specialist, Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSG), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), [email protected]
  
• Mr. Phommachanh Phothichanh, Multi-Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, FAO Country Office, Lao PDR ([email protected])

About the Convergence Initiative: A global program launched by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub to help countries integrate food systems transformation with climate action, currently active in 8+ countries worldwide with 17 more in the pipeline.