National University of Laos' Faculty of Law and Political Science introduces Seminar Series to strengthen legal education

The Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) at the National University of Laos (NUOL) held its inaugural Bi-Annual Academic Seminar from March 19–22 in Thalad, Keooudom District of Vientiane Province. The event, supported by the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) Programme, brought together 65 faculty lecturers with the aim of enhancing legal scholarship and teaching practices within Laos.

The seminar series, initiated by the FLP under the guidance of Acting Dean Dr. Somdeth Keovongsak, aims to create a regular platform for academic development, knowledge exchange, and critical discussion on contemporary legal and governance issues relevant to Laos.

The four-day programme centred on five substantive themes:
•    import and export law;
•    criminal prosecution procedures;
•    civil litigation procedures;
•    local public administration;
•    international relations theory in diplomatic practice.

These themes were selected for their direct relevance to the core study programmes offered by the FLP's departments of Business Law, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Political Science, and International Relations, ensuring the seminar content directly supports teaching and learning needs across the faculty.

Presentations and discussions were led by experts from both academia and government ministries. Key contributors included Mr. Soulaxay Houangphoxay from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Bounchanh Nignavong, Director General at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Mr. Phoukhong Sisoulath, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. FLP faculty members Mr. Xaythavy Inthavong, Head of the Criminal Law Department, and Mr. Bountheung Sithonekeochampa, Head of FLP’s Administration Division, also shared insights from their respective fields.

A dedicated session addressed the growing interest in international law, featuring an introduction to the International Criminal Court by Dr. Reginald Pastrana, Senior Sectoral Advisor of the ROLAG Programme. This presentation explored the structure and function of the International Criminal Court and its relevance to national legal systems. It directly supported the teaching of international law within the faculty and aimed to increase awareness and understanding of key international institutions among lecturers.

Beyond presentations, the seminar facilitated dialogue on practical challenges encountered in these legal and administrative areas. The expertise shared by speakers and the analysis of the challenges are intended to directly inform the development of innovative teaching strategies and enhance the practical skills of FLP lecturers. This focus aims to contribute to a more dynamic and practice-oriented legal education landscape in Laos, aligning with the ROLAG Programme's goal of strengthening the rule of law.

The FLP plans to build on this initiative, with the second Bi-Annual Academic Seminar scheduled for August 2025, continuing its commitment to advancing legal education and governance discourse in Laos. Luxembourg Cooperation remains committed to supporting the FLP in this ongoing effort to advance legal education and contribute to good governance in Laos.

The ROLAG Programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education and Sports, LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, ILSTA and the University of Luxembourg.