In a major step toward implementing the activities outlined in the sub-grant agreement between Asian Disaster Preparedness Center and Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAS), the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Lao People’s Democratic Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAS) on March 7, 2025.

Mr. Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Director General of the Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and Ms. Alanya Borliboun, Chair of CHIAS, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling the start of activities under the Lao Disaster Preparedness Partnership (LDPP). As a coordinated, multi-stakeholder platform for disaster preparedness and response in Lao PDR, the LDPP brings together government, civil society, and the private sector under the framework of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) Phase III. These activities are part of the sub-grant agreement aimed at achieving a consolidated and sustainable partnership model at regional, national, and sub-national levels to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The APP has been supported by the Gates Foundation since its inception in 2016.

The ceremony was graced by

• Mr. Bounyod Chanthavone, Head of Cabinet, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
• Mr. Vongkham Phanthanouvong, Director General, Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
• Mr. Kindavong Luangrath, Deputy Director, Department of Social Welfare
• Mr. Vilayphong Sisomvang, National Disaster Management Office.
• Ms. Alanya Borliboun, Chair of Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs).
• Mr. Xaybandith Raspon, Vice Chair of Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).
• Mr. Viengakhone Souriyo, Vice chair of Lao Civil Society Organization Platform
• Ms. Ronilda Co, Program Lead, Localization, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
• Other officials and staff of the Department of Social Welfare, LNCCI, CHIAS and Local Civil Society Organizations.

The specific objective outlined in this MoU is to enhance the knowledge, skills, and experience of the LDPP, thereby strengthening its role as a multi-stakeholder platform that advances localization and supports the resilience of communities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery under the APP Phase III framework.

Ms. Ronilda Co, The Program Lead, Localization, acknowledging the signing of MOU and underscoring the objectives outlined in the MOU.

The above objective will be achieved through the following key activities:

• Promoting participation, knowledge, skills, and capacities for disaster preparedness and response among CSOs, the private sector, and the government in Lao PDR.
• Capacity building for the private sector, CSOs, and government sectors.

The scheduled activities outlined above will foster collaboration at all levels, strengthening local organizations and institutionalizing multi-stakeholder partnerships. This will result in empowered communities and enhanced disaster preparedness, ultimately supporting the vision of a more resilient Lao PDR, while advancing socio-economic development