Lao People’s Democratic Republic Eyes Risk-Based Approach to Compliance in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework
The United Nations (UN) Country Team in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has released a comprehensive report recommending a risk-based approach to compliance with international human rights instruments and adherence to international norms and standards.
Common Country Analysis 2022-2026: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Development
The report, titled “Common Country Analysis 2022-2026”, is an integrated analysis of the country context for sustainable development. It aims to inform future strategic programming decisions by reflecting the integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and assessing the implications of development trends on the development vision for 2030.
Progress Made, Challenges Identified
The report highlights that Lao PDR has made significant progress in achieving several SDGs, but also identifies key challenges and gaps that need to be addressed. These include:
- Poverty reduction
- Inequality
- Environmental degradation
Risk-Based Approach to Compliance
To address these challenges, the UN Country Team recommends a risk-based approach to compliance with international human rights instruments and adherence to international norms and standards. This approach involves identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in the country’s development trajectory and developing strategies to mitigate them.
Mainstreaming Efforts to Leave No One Behind
The report emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming efforts to leave no one behind, addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment, sustainability, and resilience as outlined by the UN Development Group (UNDG) Guiding Principles for development cooperation.
Strengthened Partnerships
In addition, the report calls for strengthened partnerships between:
- The government
- Civil society
- International organizations
to address the development challenges facing Lao PDR.
Key Document in UNSDCF Formulation
The Common Country Analysis is a key document in the formulation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026 (UNSDCF) with the Government of Lao PDR. The report will be used as a basis for strategic prioritization and programming decisions by the UNCT and its partners.
By adopting a risk-based approach to compliance, Lao PDR can ensure a more effective and sustainable development trajectory, leaving no one behind in the process.