Luxembourg delegation strengthens cooperation on disaster risk reduction in northern Laos

From 14 to 19 December 2025, a high-level Luxembourg delegation undertook a mission to the Houaphanh and Xieng Khouang provinces to reinforce partnerships and advance the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) into provincial development planning. The delegation was led by Mr Thomas LAMMAR, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the Lao PDR, and Mr Robert DE WAHA, regional representative of the LuxDev Asia office, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

In Houaphanh, the delegation met with Mr Phonesouk INTHAVONG, governor of Houaphanh Province, and key departments to discuss embedding DRR into the 2026–2030 socio-economic development plan and the 2025 disaster impact and recovery plan. Field visits included the provincial hospital, the vocational training centre, and the Lao-Vietnam Agriculture and Livestock Development Centre, focusing on climate resilience in health, education and food security. The mission concluded with a visit to the Viengxay Caves, reaffirming Luxembourg’s commitment to sustainable tourism and resilience.

In Xieng Khouang, the delegation held talks with Mr Hongkham PHIMMASANE, vice provincial governor, and visited the provincial hospital, the Banli Vocational School, and former Luxembourg-funded target villages. The delegation was impressed by the motivation of all development partners and the high level of maintenance and local appropriation of the infrastructures.

Both missions, undertaken within the framework of the Local development programme, highlighted Luxembourg’s dedication to building resilient communities, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring that DRR is a key part of provincial development strategies. The delegation agreed to maintain dialogue and pursue joint activities to strengthen climate resilience and socio-economic stability in Houaphanh and Xieng Khouang provinces.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.