Lao PDR Hosts Inaugural National Symposium on Social Protection to Address Challenges for Rural and Informal Workers

Lao PDR Hosts Inaugural National Symposium on Social Protection to Address Challenges for Rural and Informal Workers

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), recently held the first-ever National Symposium on Social Protection, focusing on the needs of Lao People's Democratic Republic's (Lao PDR) large rural population and informal workforce. Supported financially by the European Union and the Government of China, the symposium took place on July 31, 2024, at the International Convention and Training Centre, attracting over 250 participants.

Opening the event, H.E. Dr. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Vice Prime Minister of Lao PDR, emphasized the critical need to enhance social protection as the country recovers from the economic impacts of COVID-19. He stressed, "It is essential that we reinforce our commitment to social protection to stabilize our agrarian economy and safeguard vulnerable groups, ensuring that no Lao citizen is left behind during crises and hardships."

Themed "Protecting Informal Workers and Rural Dwellers under the National Social Protection Strategy," the symposium featured engaging discussions among policymakers, implementers, and development partners. The event included panel discussions, role plays, and a documentary offering insights into how social protection can benefit citizens and meet their expectations from the government. Exhibitions highlighted current policy issues and developments, fostering a deeper understanding of social protection.

Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR, highlighted the importance of social protection in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating, "Investing in social protection accelerates progress towards the SDGs, contributing to targets like social protection (1.3), universal health coverage (3.8), decent work (8.5), and greater equality (10.4). The Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, launched in 2021, exemplifies the UN's commitment to strengthening these areas."

Despite the importance of social protection, Lao PDR's spending on this area is among the lowest in ASEAN, at only 1.6% of GDP. This underfunding affects critical programs such as the National Health Insurance scheme, which is struggling with sustainability issues due to budgetary constraints.

Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Lao PDR, noted the symposium's role in highlighting the need for increased domestic financing for social protection. "One of our goals is to elevate the importance of social protection in policymaking and budget decisions. Shifting from external funding to domestic sources is crucial for the effective implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy."

The symposium was a collaborative effort among the ILO, international development partners, and the Lao government, underscoring a shared commitment to improving social protection. Qian added, "The event reflects our collective dedication to enhancing social protection, which will sustainably improve the lives of Lao workers and their families."

With 86% of Lao PDR's workforce engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, the informal sector faces challenges including low and irregular incomes, poor working conditions, and insufficient social protection. The government's National Social Protection Strategy, adopted in April 2020, aims to reduce poverty and promote equitable development through three pillars: Health Insurance, Social Security, and Social Welfare. By 2030, the strategy seeks to ensure all Lao citizens have access to essential services, adhering to a "Leaving No One Behind" approach.