Decentralization in Authoritarian Laos Introduction In 2015, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) adopted an amended constitution that created the Local People’s Assemblies. The local governments are empowered to adopt legislation, make decisions on fundamental issues at the local level and monitor the state organizations under their jurisdiction,[1] and adopting plans for development and budget at the provincial level.[2] The constitution also guarantees universal,

Beyond Giving: How Six Months as a UN Volunteer in Laos Transformed My Perspective While we university students in Hong Kong enjoy excellent education and never worry about basic necessities, many in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) face stark realities: children suffering from stunting, villages cut off during rainy seasons, the constant threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO), inadequate healthcare requiring cross-border

Ka Chun from Hong Kong: “Working towards ending poverty in Laos changed my life” My name is Ka Chun, a UN University Volunteer from Hong Kong, serving at the Poverty Reduction Unit of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lao PDR. As a university student in Hong Kong, I found myself very privileged to receive a good education, have a very supportive