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, Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, and Ms. Alanya Borliboun, Chair of Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs) signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

This marks the beginning of activities outlined in the sub-grant agreement under the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), Phase III, aimed at achieving the primary outcome of a consolidated and sustainable multi-stakeholder partnership model at regional, national, and sub-national levels to 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 civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and the government in effective disaster preparedness, response capabilities, and mechanisms.

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