Lao PDR launches initiative and competition to make early warnings reach everyone
The Government of Lao PDR and the United Nations launched the Inclusive Risk Communication Initiative and the Open Call on Inclusive Multi-Hazard Early Warnings, so that early warnings reach every person in a form that they can understand and act on. The launch marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the 2026 theme “Resilience Starts at Home”, and Lao PDR’s National Disaster Management Day.
Co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphan, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator, the launch was hosted by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare (Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare) and the Ministry of Technology and Communications. It brought together line ministries, development partners, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities, youth, and media.
Closing the last-mile gap
The 2025 National Weather Forecast and Early Warning System Perception Survey, led by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology across 1,741 households in nine provinces, found that 41 per cent of respondents had not received early warnings. Although around a quarter of surveyed households speak Hmong-Mien or Mon-Khmer languages, 95 per cent of messages received were in Lao-Tai. Respondents also cited device, language and disability-related barriers.
Running until December 2027, the Initiative builds on the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology's official forecasts and warnings. It will revise, develop and pre-test accessible materials in Lao and priority languages, run a national multi-platform campaign, partner with youth and content creators, and reach remote communities through provincial, district and village networks.
“Every warning we issue is a promise to our people,” said Vice Minister Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphan. “Together, let us make sure that promise reaches every home.”
United Nations Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov emphasized: “Even where early warning systems exist, they may not reach the most vulnerable. Inclusion is not an add-on; it is what makes a warning work.”
Open Call for Short Videos
The Open Call invites young people, students, creators and storytellers residing in Lao PDR to produce 30–90 second videos, in Lao or an ethnic or local language with Lao captions, that help people recognize official warnings and act early and safely before floods, storms, landslides or drought. Creators from ethnic communities and organizations of persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Submissions close on 12 November 2026. The top three will receive recognition certificate, cash awards and be shared nationally.
Looking ahead
The Initiative supports the Law on Disaster Management, the National Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction 2021–2030, the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Early Warnings for All Roadmap 2024–2027. UNDRR provides technical coordination, with support from WFP, UNDP, UNICEF, IOM, People in Need, CARE International, Save the Children and the Lao CSO Network.
Please find detailed guidelines for the video competition and the entry forms in English and Lao below. Deadline for submission is 12 November. For any questions, please contact: [email protected]