As part of France’s commitment to gender equality worldwide, Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to Laos, signed the grant agreements on 27 March with the eleven Lao organizations benefiting from the French small grants program Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) for 2025, formerly known as PISCCA.
This is the second and last phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, which supports civil society organizations’ (CSO) initiatives on gender equality. In total, the 2024-2025 program finances 19 projects with an envelope of over half a million dollars. Since 2010, the French Embassy has supported 82 projects in Laos, for a total amount of more than USD 3 million.
The FEF-OSC is aligned with the French government’s national and global commitment to promote women’s rights and gender equality, notably through its feminist strategy (2025-2030). In addition to taking gender into account as a priority in all projects carried out by France, gender equality is at the heart of this program, and constitutes its main objective.
This year, the 11 selected projects will be implemented in eight different provinces: Bokeo, Salavanh, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Phongsaly, Champasack, Luang Prabang and Khammouane.
Among these selected organizations, six of them will build on their FEF-OSC grant obtained in 2024 through a second phase in 2025. Somphong Chaleurnsack, president of the Ecotouristic Association of Konglor-Natane (AEKN), signed a grant agreement of LAK 499,658,081 (USD 23,303) for their project aiming at strengthening women’s civic and economic influence in the Hin Boun valley of Khammouane province.
The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership (ADPWL), represented by Bouakham Sythvong, received a grant of LAK 386,158,791 (USD 17,953.60) to carry out the second phase of its project aiming at ending the violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.
Inthana Bouphasavanh, representing the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE), signed the FEF-OSC 2025 agreement for LAK 432,658,081 (USD 20,110).
This marks the second phase of ADWLE’s project, dedicated to improving the response to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and protecting vulnerable women and children’s legal rights.
The Association for the Promotion Preservation of Arts and Literature (APPAL), represented by Soukphansa Phouphasouk and recipient of a FEF-OSC grant in 2024, received LAK 494.750.000 (USD 23,000) to implement a new project empowering women and young people to lead and take action to protect the environment.
Manivone Vorachak represented the Cooperation for Development and Support to Local Knowledge Association (COSKA) as Secretary General.
The association received LAK 422,714,000 (USD 19,515.88) for the second phase of its project in Phongsaly province on the economic empowerment of young women and better GBV prevention. Empowering women and people with disabilities by improving their economic independence and social inclusion is the main objective of the Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA) in Sekong Province.
Sommay Sethanak, director of the association, signed the grant agreement of LAK 350,000,00 (USD 1,615.88). Soukaseum Bodhisan, President of the Namjai Community Association (NCA), came from Bokeo Province to sign the FEF-OSC 2025 grant agreement of LAK 482,500,000 (USD 22,276.08).
This second phase aims at providing quality education to girls from ethnic minorities and protecting them from all forms of violence, including early marriages, in Bokeo province. The social enterprise Project Space – Pha Tad Ke will empower young Lao women writers and contribute to a broader public dialogue on feminism, ecology, and social injustice.
Their director, Henricus Gadella, signed a grant agreement of LAK 242,700,000 (USD 11,204.99) for this project. Sengsavang, represented by Virith Khattignavong, was awarded LAK 489,997,000 (USD 22,622.21) for the second phase of their project focused on the sustainable reintegration of survivors and women at-risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet province.
Souphaphone Dangmany, director of STELLA, received LAK 494,750,000 (USD 22,841.64) for their project aimed at empowering young female leaders to help their peers, as well as high school students, understand the importance of study planning and encourage them to explore STEAM fields.
Lastly, Viengpeth Phongchalern came from Salavan province to represent the Women Development Fund (WDF). The foundation received LAK 300,000,000 (USD 13,850.42) for the second phase of their project on the development of a model gender equality village (MGV), and the prevention of domestic violence and early marriages in Salavan province.
The FEF-OSC 2025 selection committee was held on Monday 17 March and was composed of development partners who support, and are familiar with, civil society and gender equality issues: the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
This edition is the last phase of the two-year program on gender equality. In early 2026, a new FEF-OSC program on a different thematic (tba) will be launched.
The Women With Disability Association (WWDA) is leading an initiative to provide opportunities for women with disabilities in Laos.
The initiative, largely funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japanese government, aims to enhance the Lao handicraft sector and give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience.
Since its inception in 2001, WWDA has received substantial support from JICA and the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). This collaboration has enabled the center to not only produce high-quality handcrafted goods but also expand its offerings by providing vital facilities, training, and even field trips to Japan, where individuals could learn new ideas and skills for product development.
The association officially became an association in 2021, founded by Chanhpheng Sivila, a disabled woman with a deep passion for social change. Having learned advanced handicraft skills in Japan in 1997, Chanhpheng’s mission was to bring her skills and knowledge back to Laos to help others in her community, especially disabled women, gain valuable employment opportunities.
“After I came back to Laos, I adapted those lessons to implement them here, especially for those with disabilities because I want them to have the same opportunities,” Chanhpheng said, also mentioning her dedication to creating a better future for women with disabilities.
Currently, nearly 30 disabled students from Oudomxay and Bokeo Provinces are enrolled at the center. These students are taught to produce detailed handicrafts, such as weaving, pottery, ceramics, and paper crafts, all of which are sold to foreigners as part of the center’s efforts to raise awareness and promote Lao craftsmanship globally.
In addition to the focus on craft production, WWDA is also committed to improving the quality of life for women in rural areas, many of whom have limited access to education.
“We gave them vocational training, they’ll be taught basic education first, then we coordinated with job organizations to give them a job such as in a garment factory. Also, some of them stay with us to learn more about sewing and work in textile,” Chanhpheng explained.
Despite the success of these initiatives, Chanhpheng expressed concern about the limited number of students enrolled compared to the many individuals who lack access to such opportunities. She hopes that more funding will allow the organization to extend its services to a broader group of disabled people, especially those from remote regions.
One of the staffs in WWDA.
WWDA’s vision is to continue promoting Lao handicrafts while showcasing the true value of these works, especially in partnership with other provinces with unique handicraft traditions.
“We aim to keep supporting handicrafts so that society knows its true value, also in partnership with other Provinces with different uniqueness,” said Chanhpheng, highlighting the importance of continued innovation in the sector.
To further enhance the quality and variety of products, the Japan Embassy has sent a volunteer from JICA to provide advice on new product development. Taeko Taguchi, a community developer, has spent three years volunteering at WWDA, helping with product design and offering valuable guidance to the center.
“I feel very grateful for being a volunteer here, hopefully to help develop Lao products to be better and better,” Taguchi stated.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of JICA’s Volunteer Programme, which has supported numerous projects in Laos since 1965. Through the program, over 40 volunteers currently work across the country, dedicated to strengthening the bond between Laos and Japan and contributing to Laos’ development.
Koga Toshimichi, the head of the economic section at the Japanese Embassy in Laos, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“The project that we implemented in Laos is not only for economic development, but also for human resources development with long-term development,” he said, reiterating Japan’s commitment to helping Laos in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Other notable projects supported by the Japanese government include the JICA MaWaSU Project, which focuses on water supply sector development, as well as the construction of new Setthathirath Hospitals in Vientiane and Chamsassak. Additionally, the Lao-Japan Institute is dedicated to human resource development in Laos.
As Laos celebrates its 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan, it is clear that the ongoing collaboration between the two countries continues to play a pivotal role in the development of Laos’ human resources and economy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2P0A0144.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-15 01:05:002025-04-07 13:07:22Women with Disabilities Association Brings Lao Handicrafts to the Global Stage
In line with Laos’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) launched its flagship publication, “An Energy Sector Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions for Laos.”
This report marks ACE’s first national-level initiative to guide a country on its journey towards net-zero emissions, exploring potential pathways for reducing energy sector emissions.
The energy sector remains one of the largest contributors to climate change, and this Lao Net Zero Report focuses on the adoption of various technological approaches, including renewable energy and emerging low-carbon technologies, as potential solutions.
The event was held alongside the dissemination of ACE’s other key publication, the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8), which was launched under Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
The AEO8, which will be shared across ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the coming months, provides strategic insights into optimising and decarbonising energy systems for a sustainable future. It aims to offer key findings and policy recommendations for sustainable energy planning in the region.
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, stated, “The ASEAN Energy Outlook serves as a vital reference for shaping a sustainable energy future for the region. It provides strategic insights into optimising and decarbonising our energy systems. We are proud to begin our net zero collaboration with Laos and look forward to partnering with all AMS to accelerate progress towards climate targets, particularly in the energy sector.”
Around 40 representatives from various Lao government agencies, academic institutions, and state-owned enterprises attended the event. Participants actively engaged in a panel discussion focused on enhancing regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and intergovernmental collaboration to achieve both national and regional climate goals.
Santisouk Phimphachanh, Senior Official on Energy Leader for Laos, noted, “The hosting of these key events emphasises Laos’s commitment to leading the region toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. ACE’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation in the energy sector, along with other low-carbon initiatives, is essential to achieving our climate and energy goals.”
The AEO8’s findings will be disseminated through a series of country-level events across the ASEAN Member States, supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives throughout the region.
Laos, as the first country to collaborate with ACE in developing a national-level report on its pathway to net zero, demonstrates its strong commitment to the energy transition and to fostering innovation for a sustainable future.
Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Manager of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning at ACE, highlighted the importance of aligning regional and national energy planning: “The 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook introduced the Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS) at the regional level, which has now been translated into this country-specific roadmap, with Laos as our first partner. Through the AEO and national net zero reports, ACE is committed to supporting ASEAN Member States in advancing regional cooperation for collective energy and climate goals.”
Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Project Manager of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT), added, “The launch of ‘An Energy Sector Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions of Laos’ is a pivotal milestone in Laos’s energy transition journey.
ACCEPT plays a key role in strengthening the energy-climate nexus through data-driven analysis and accelerating regional collaboration by conducting regional capacity-building efforts. This aligns with ACCEPT’s long-term goal of supporting ASEAN Member States in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system and achieving their net-zero targets.”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laotian-Times-Feature-Image-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-14 01:02:002025-04-07 13:04:32ASEAN Center for Energy Launches Net Zero Emissions Roadmap for Laos
France Funds 11 Lao Civil Society Projects for Gender Equality
As part of France’s commitment to gender equality worldwide, Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to Laos, signed the grant agreements on 27 March with the eleven Lao organizations benefiting from the French small grants program Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC) for 2025, formerly known as PISCCA.
This is the second and last phase of the 2024-2025 FEF-OSC program, which supports civil society organizations’ (CSO) initiatives on gender equality. In total, the 2024-2025 program finances 19 projects with an envelope of over half a million dollars. Since 2010, the French Embassy has supported 82 projects in Laos, for a total amount of more than USD 3 million.
The FEF-OSC is aligned with the French government’s national and global commitment to promote women’s rights and gender equality, notably through its feminist strategy (2025-2030). In addition to taking gender into account as a priority in all projects carried out by France, gender equality is at the heart of this program, and constitutes its main objective.
This year, the 11 selected projects will be implemented in eight different provinces: Bokeo, Salavanh, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Phongsaly, Champasack, Luang Prabang and Khammouane.
Among these selected organizations, six of them will build on their FEF-OSC grant obtained in 2024 through a second phase in 2025. Somphong Chaleurnsack, president of the Ecotouristic Association of Konglor-Natane (AEKN), signed a grant agreement of LAK 499,658,081 (USD 23,303) for their project aiming at strengthening women’s civic and economic influence in the Hin Boun valley of Khammouane province.
The Association for the Development and Promotion of Women’s Leadership (ADPWL), represented by Bouakham Sythvong, received a grant of LAK 386,158,791 (USD 17,953.60) to carry out the second phase of its project aiming at ending the violence against sex workers and improving their access to health services in Vientiane Capital.
Inthana Bouphasavanh, representing the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE), signed the FEF-OSC 2025 agreement for LAK 432,658,081 (USD 20,110).
This marks the second phase of ADWLE’s project, dedicated to improving the response to gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and protecting vulnerable women and children’s legal rights.
The Association for the Promotion Preservation of Arts and Literature (APPAL), represented by Soukphansa Phouphasouk and recipient of a FEF-OSC grant in 2024, received LAK 494.750.000 (USD 23,000) to implement a new project empowering women and young people to lead and take action to protect the environment.
Manivone Vorachak represented the Cooperation for Development and Support to Local Knowledge Association (COSKA) as Secretary General.
The association received LAK 422,714,000 (USD 19,515.88) for the second phase of its project in Phongsaly province on the economic empowerment of young women and better GBV prevention. Empowering women and people with disabilities by improving their economic independence and social inclusion is the main objective of the Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA) in Sekong Province.
Sommay Sethanak, director of the association, signed the grant agreement of LAK 350,000,00 (USD 1,615.88). Soukaseum Bodhisan, President of the Namjai Community Association (NCA), came from Bokeo Province to sign the FEF-OSC 2025 grant agreement of LAK 482,500,000 (USD 22,276.08).
This second phase aims at providing quality education to girls from ethnic minorities and protecting them from all forms of violence, including early marriages, in Bokeo province. The social enterprise Project Space – Pha Tad Ke will empower young Lao women writers and contribute to a broader public dialogue on feminism, ecology, and social injustice.
Their director, Henricus Gadella, signed a grant agreement of LAK 242,700,000 (USD 11,204.99) for this project. Sengsavang, represented by Virith Khattignavong, was awarded LAK 489,997,000 (USD 22,622.21) for the second phase of their project focused on the sustainable reintegration of survivors and women at-risk of human trafficking and domestic violence in Savannakhet province.
Souphaphone Dangmany, director of STELLA, received LAK 494,750,000 (USD 22,841.64) for their project aimed at empowering young female leaders to help their peers, as well as high school students, understand the importance of study planning and encourage them to explore STEAM fields.
Lastly, Viengpeth Phongchalern came from Salavan province to represent the Women Development Fund (WDF). The foundation received LAK 300,000,000 (USD 13,850.42) for the second phase of their project on the development of a model gender equality village (MGV), and the prevention of domestic violence and early marriages in Salavan province.
The FEF-OSC 2025 selection committee was held on Monday 17 March and was composed of development partners who support, and are familiar with, civil society and gender equality issues: the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
This edition is the last phase of the two-year program on gender equality. In early 2026, a new FEF-OSC program on a different thematic (tba) will be launched.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/31/france-funds-11-lao-civil-society-projects-for-gender-equality/
Women with Disabilities Association Brings Lao Handicrafts to the Global Stage
The Women With Disability Association (WWDA) is leading an initiative to provide opportunities for women with disabilities in Laos.
The initiative, largely funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japanese government, aims to enhance the Lao handicraft sector and give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience.
Since its inception in 2001, WWDA has received substantial support from JICA and the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). This collaboration has enabled the center to not only produce high-quality handcrafted goods but also expand its offerings by providing vital facilities, training, and even field trips to Japan, where individuals could learn new ideas and skills for product development.
The association officially became an association in 2021, founded by Chanhpheng Sivila, a disabled woman with a deep passion for social change. Having learned advanced handicraft skills in Japan in 1997, Chanhpheng’s mission was to bring her skills and knowledge back to Laos to help others in her community, especially disabled women, gain valuable employment opportunities.
“After I came back to Laos, I adapted those lessons to implement them here, especially for those with disabilities because I want them to have the same opportunities,” Chanhpheng said, also mentioning her dedication to creating a better future for women with disabilities.
Currently, nearly 30 disabled students from Oudomxay and Bokeo Provinces are enrolled at the center. These students are taught to produce detailed handicrafts, such as weaving, pottery, ceramics, and paper crafts, all of which are sold to foreigners as part of the center’s efforts to raise awareness and promote Lao craftsmanship globally.
In addition to the focus on craft production, WWDA is also committed to improving the quality of life for women in rural areas, many of whom have limited access to education.
“We gave them vocational training, they’ll be taught basic education first, then we coordinated with job organizations to give them a job such as in a garment factory. Also, some of them stay with us to learn more about sewing and work in textile,” Chanhpheng explained.
Despite the success of these initiatives, Chanhpheng expressed concern about the limited number of students enrolled compared to the many individuals who lack access to such opportunities. She hopes that more funding will allow the organization to extend its services to a broader group of disabled people, especially those from remote regions.
WWDA’s vision is to continue promoting Lao handicrafts while showcasing the true value of these works, especially in partnership with other provinces with unique handicraft traditions.
“We aim to keep supporting handicrafts so that society knows its true value, also in partnership with other Provinces with different uniqueness,” said Chanhpheng, highlighting the importance of continued innovation in the sector.
To further enhance the quality and variety of products, the Japan Embassy has sent a volunteer from JICA to provide advice on new product development. Taeko Taguchi, a community developer, has spent three years volunteering at WWDA, helping with product design and offering valuable guidance to the center.
“I feel very grateful for being a volunteer here, hopefully to help develop Lao products to be better and better,” Taguchi stated.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of JICA’s Volunteer Programme, which has supported numerous projects in Laos since 1965. Through the program, over 40 volunteers currently work across the country, dedicated to strengthening the bond between Laos and Japan and contributing to Laos’ development.
Koga Toshimichi, the head of the economic section at the Japanese Embassy in Laos, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“The project that we implemented in Laos is not only for economic development, but also for human resources development with long-term development,” he said, reiterating Japan’s commitment to helping Laos in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Other notable projects supported by the Japanese government include the JICA MaWaSU Project, which focuses on water supply sector development, as well as the construction of new Setthathirath Hospitals in Vientiane and Chamsassak. Additionally, the Lao-Japan Institute is dedicated to human resource development in Laos.
As Laos celebrates its 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan, it is clear that the ongoing collaboration between the two countries continues to play a pivotal role in the development of Laos’ human resources and economy.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/27/women-with-disabilities-association-brings-lao-handicrafts-to-the-global-stage/
ASEAN Center for Energy Launches Net Zero Emissions Roadmap for Laos
In line with Laos’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) launched its flagship publication, “An Energy Sector Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions for Laos.”
This report marks ACE’s first national-level initiative to guide a country on its journey towards net-zero emissions, exploring potential pathways for reducing energy sector emissions.
The energy sector remains one of the largest contributors to climate change, and this Lao Net Zero Report focuses on the adoption of various technological approaches, including renewable energy and emerging low-carbon technologies, as potential solutions.
The event was held alongside the dissemination of ACE’s other key publication, the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8), which was launched under Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
The AEO8, which will be shared across ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the coming months, provides strategic insights into optimising and decarbonising energy systems for a sustainable future. It aims to offer key findings and policy recommendations for sustainable energy planning in the region.
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, stated, “The ASEAN Energy Outlook serves as a vital reference for shaping a sustainable energy future for the region. It provides strategic insights into optimising and decarbonising our energy systems. We are proud to begin our net zero collaboration with Laos and look forward to partnering with all AMS to accelerate progress towards climate targets, particularly in the energy sector.”
Around 40 representatives from various Lao government agencies, academic institutions, and state-owned enterprises attended the event. Participants actively engaged in a panel discussion focused on enhancing regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and intergovernmental collaboration to achieve both national and regional climate goals.
Santisouk Phimphachanh, Senior Official on Energy Leader for Laos, noted, “The hosting of these key events emphasises Laos’s commitment to leading the region toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. ACE’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation in the energy sector, along with other low-carbon initiatives, is essential to achieving our climate and energy goals.”
The AEO8’s findings will be disseminated through a series of country-level events across the ASEAN Member States, supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives throughout the region.
Laos, as the first country to collaborate with ACE in developing a national-level report on its pathway to net zero, demonstrates its strong commitment to the energy transition and to fostering innovation for a sustainable future.
Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Manager of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning at ACE, highlighted the importance of aligning regional and national energy planning: “The 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook introduced the Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS) at the regional level, which has now been translated into this country-specific roadmap, with Laos as our first partner. Through the AEO and national net zero reports, ACE is committed to supporting ASEAN Member States in advancing regional cooperation for collective energy and climate goals.”
Aldilla Noor Rakhiemah, Project Manager of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project (ACCEPT), added, “The launch of ‘An Energy Sector Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions of Laos’ is a pivotal milestone in Laos’s energy transition journey.
ACCEPT plays a key role in strengthening the energy-climate nexus through data-driven analysis and accelerating regional collaboration by conducting regional capacity-building efforts. This aligns with ACCEPT’s long-term goal of supporting ASEAN Member States in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system and achieving their net-zero targets.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/25/asean-center-for-energy-launches-net-zero-emissions-roadmap-for-laos/