Lao PDR has made significant progress in integrating gender perspectives into its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. The government recognizes that climate change affects different genders in different ways and that addressing these disparities is essential for effective climate action. As part of this effort, Lao PDR, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed a gender action plan aimed at ensuring that climate strategies are inclusive and equitable.
Between June and August 2023, consultations were conducted with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, to identify gender-specific challenges and opportunities related to climate change. This process led to the creation of a gender analysis that highlights the roles and responsibilities of different genders in sectors most vulnerable to climate impacts, such as agriculture.
Women, in particular, play a crucial role in Lao PDR’s agricultural sector, representing 60% of the workforce. The gender action plan focuses on empowering women through climate-smart agricultural practices that are better suited to their needs and circumstances. This is especially important as climate change is expected to reduce agricultural productivity in the coming decades. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt, Lao PDR aims to increase resilience in rural communities.
The integration of gender-sensitive measures into the NDC is part of a broader push by the government to promote social inclusion and gender equality while enhancing the country’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change. By addressing these issues, Lao PDR is taking important steps toward ensuring that its climate actions are not only effective but also equitable and sustainable.
Source: UNDP
Source: NDC Partnership