VIENTIANE: Laos has launched its first Artificial Intelligence Ethics Readiness Assessment country report, a pivotal step in the country’s engagement with emerging technologies. The report was presented at a National Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Vientiane, highlighting Laos’ strategic approach to harnessing the potential of AI.
The report examines five critical areas: Legal and Regulatory Readiness, Social and Cultural Dimensions, Science, Research and Education, Economic and Technological Capacity, and Technical Infrastructure. It serves as a national diagnostic tool and strategic guide for developing homegrown AI solutions that respect cultural identity while fostering global connectivity.
Dr. Santisouk Simmalavong, Minister of Technology and Communications, emphasized the transformative potential of AI for sectors such as economy, agriculture, education, tourism, and governance. He noted that the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that technological advancements benefit every citizen in Laos.
In partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the United Nations Country Team in Laos, the Ministry of Technology and Communications has crafted a document that outlines a clear path for implementing ethical AI principles into national policies. Soohyun Kim, Unesco’s regional director, remarked that the Unesco Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is the first and only global normative framework in the field.
Kim further stated, “Laos is demonstrating that AI is not merely a technical revolution; it encompasses social and cultural changes that relate to social justice, equality, and sustainable development.” Unesco is committed to guiding Laos in establishing a clear, evidence-based approach to integrate these ethical principles into national practice.
Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, highlighted the UN’s collective support towards advancing digital transformation, especially as Laos aims to transition from Least Developed Country status by 2026. The UN Country Team is prepared to assist Laos in leveraging technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Artificial Intelligence Ethics Readiness Assessment (RAM) report is an essential tool to align AI development with national priorities such as reducing inequalities and enhancing public services. It aims to ensure that Laos’ digital transformation is both ambitious and accountable, aiming to leave no citizen behind.
Utilizing a comprehensive diagnostic methodology, the Unesco RAM helps member states assess their readiness to implement the 2021 Unesco Recommendation. For Laos, the assessment involved extensive consultations throughout 2025, engaging various stakeholders including government agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners.
This initiative indicates a broader commitment by Laos to navigate the complexities of AI and related technologies responsibly. By embedding ethical considerations into the technological framework, Laos is positioning itself to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks, setting a precedent that other nations may follow as they embark on similar paths.
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