Vientiane, 27 January 2026 — The Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic unveiled its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy today, signaling a commitment to the responsible and inclusive development of AI. This initiative will utilize findings from UNESCO’s AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to shape the country’s approach to harnessing AI’s potential for sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism, and governance.
“We recognize AI’s immense potential to modernize our economy,” stated 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 during a National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, jointly organized by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and UNESCO, in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team. This workshop marked the official launch of the Lao PDR RAM Country Report, which stems from a national readiness assessment initiated in January 2025.
The RAM offers an evidence-based overview of Laos’ readiness to govern AI across various domains, including policy and regulation, institutional coordination, and human capacity. Despite the progress made in digital governance through information and communication technology (ICT), e-government, and digital economy policies, the assessment points to ongoing challenges, particularly concerning inequalities in access to technology and insufficient skills development.
According to Soohyun Kim, Regional Director of UNESCO in Bangkok, “Investment in research and development is fundamental to ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers real social and economic value.” He emphasized that the Lao PDR’s National Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy sets a clear and ambitious direction, including a significant increase in research and development investment by 2040. Kim also highlighted that as education systems evolve rapidly in a young and highly connected society, the RAM underscores the necessity for a forward-looking approach to education. UNESCO is prepared to assist Lao PDR in translating ethical AI principles into actionable national policies.
The timing of this announcement coincides with Lao PDR’s implementation of its 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, which identifies digital transformation as a critical driver of growth. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR, remarked on the strategic importance of the RAM, stating it provides a structured, evidence-based understanding of the country’s readiness to govern artificial intelligence—not just from a technological standpoint but also regarding ethics, inclusion, and institutional management as Laos forges ahead in its digital transformation journey.
The national workshop brought together approximately 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 Southeast Asia utilizing UNESCO’s tools to inform national AI policymaking.
By leveraging these insights, the Lao government aims to ensure that the development of AI aligns with national interests and cultural values, ultimately fostering a more equitable digital landscape. As Laos embarks on this ambitious initiative, the focus will be on navigating the complexities of technological governance to ensure that AI serves as a tool for broad-based socio-economic advancement rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. The commitment to ethical AI development reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusive technology strategies that balance innovation with societal benefits.
For more details on UNESCO’s initiatives, visit their official site at UNESCO. Additional information on Laos’ National Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy can be found at Laos Government Portal.
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