Xiengkhouang and Houaphanh provinces endorse five-year disaster risk reduction plans

In Laos, Xiengkhouang and Houaphanh provinces have officially endorsed their five-year disaster risk reduction plans (2026–2030) and 2026 provincial emergency response plans. Developed under the Local development programme, these plans mark an important step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, response and resilience at the provincial and district levels.

The consultation and validation meeting in Xiengkhouang Province was held on 6 July 2026 and chaired by Mr Hongkham PHIMMASAN, Vice Governor of Xiengkhouang Province and Chair of the Provincial Disaster Management Committee. In Houaphanh Province, a similar meeting took place on 10 July 2026, chaired by Mr Om PHOMBOUNMIXAY, Deputy Head of the Provincial Labour and Social Welfare Department and Deputy Chair of the Provincial Disaster Management Committee.

The meetings brought together representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, provincial authorities, district disaster management committees, development partners and other key stakeholders to review and validate the plans.

The endorsed plans, developed under the Local development programme, provide a strategic framework for reducing disaster risks, strengthening preparedness and emergency response capacities and supporting effective recovery efforts. They also promote stronger coordination among government agencies, communities, the private sector and development partners.

A key achievement of the planning process is the integration of disaster risk reduction priorities into the provincial socio-economic development plans. This alignment helps ensure that disaster risk reduction actions are incorporated into regular government planning, budgeting and reporting mechanisms, thereby increasing access to sustainable government funding for implementation. Furthermore, the plans provide a clear framework for development partners, humanitarian organisations and the private sector to identify priority interventions and direct their support towards the gaps and needs identified by the provinces.

During the meetings, participants shared practical experiences and provided recommendations to ensure that the plans accurately reflect local disaster risks, available capacities and priority actions for the coming years. The endorsement of these plans demonstrates the strong commitment of both provinces to building safer, more resilient and disaster-ready communities.

Disaster risk reduction interventions under the programme are led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, which plays a key role in guiding national and subnational disaster preparedness, response and resilience-building efforts in partnership with provincial and district authorities.

The Local development programme promotes sustainable, inclusive and resilient development outcomes across targeted sectors. It is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.