Lao PDR sets course for National AI Strategy guided by UNESCO ethics framework

Vientiane, 27 January 2026 - The Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic today announced its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy would draw on findings from UNESCO's AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to guide the responsible and inclusive development of artificial intelligence.

'We recognise AI's immense potential to modernize our economy, agriculture, education, tourism, culture and governance,' said Santisouk Simmalavong, Minister of Technology and Communications. 'This assessment serves as our strategic compass. It provides a blueprint for developing homegrown AI solutions that respect our cultural identity, remain connected to the world, bridge the digital divide, and ensure that technological progress benefits every Lao citizen.'

The announcement was made at a National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, jointly organized by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and UNESCO, in partnership with the United Nations Country Team. The workshop marked the official launch of the Lao PDR RAM Country Report, based on a national readiness assessment initiated in January 2025.

The RAM provides an evidence-based picture of Lao PDR's readiness to govern AI across areas including policy and regulation, institutional coordination, human capacity, infrastructure, and societal and cultural impact. While Lao PDR has made progress in digital governance through ICT, e-government and digital economy policies, the assessment highlights challenges related to inequalities in access to technology, skills development, and research capacity.

'Investment in research and development is fundamental to ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers real social and economic value,' said Soohyun Kim, Regional Director of UNESCO in Bangkok. 'Lao PDR's National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy sets a clear and ambitious direction, including a significant increase in R&D investment by 2040. As learning and teaching evolve rapidly in a young and highly connected society, the RAM highlights the importance of a forward-looking education system. UNESCO stands ready to support Lao PDR in turning ethical AI principles into concrete national policies and action.'

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Country Team, Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR, highlighted the strategic timing of the announcement as Lao PDR begins implementing its 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, 'where digital transformation is a key enabler of growth.'

The RAM, he said, 'provides a structured, evidence-based understanding of Lao PDR's readiness to govern artificial intelligence - not only from a technological perspective, but also in terms of ethics, inclusion, institutional coordination and management as Laos moves forward in its digital transformation journey.'

The national workshop brought together around 250 participants, including representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, development partners, academia, the private sector and civil society. Lao PDR is among 77 countries globally and eight in South-East Asia using UNESCO's tools to inform national AI policymaking.