EU and Laos Strengthen Ties Through Sustainable Tourism Dialogue in Luang Prabang – EEAS

Report on the EU-Laos Business Dialogue on Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang

Event Overview and Strategic Context

A business and networking event was convened in Luang Prabang to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union (EU) and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The event, co-chaired by the EU Ambassador to Lao PDR and the Vice Governor of Luang Prabang Province, focused on advancing sustainable development within the tourism and hospitality sector, directly aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Organisers: The European Union Delegation to Lao PDR and the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos.
• Participants: Government officials, European and Lao business leaders, tourism experts, and development partners.
• Primary Objective: To analyse opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector through the lens of sustainable development and international partnership.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The dialogue placed significant emphasis on integrating the SDGs into the future of Laos’ tourism industry. Discussions were framed around key goals for creating a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious sector.

1. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The event highlighted sustainable and inclusive tourism as a primary driver for green growth and job creation. Discussions focused on developing a resilient industry that provides decent employment opportunities.
2. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): With Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the venue, a core theme was the critical need to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4) while promoting tourism.
3. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The EU’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly business practices and responsible investment was a central topic, aiming to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns within the tourism industry.
4. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The event itself served as a platform to strengthen partnerships between European and Lao businesses, government bodies, and development partners to achieve shared sustainability objectives.

Key Outcomes and Future Commitments

The panel discussions and subsequent networking session yielded several key outcomes aimed at fostering a sustainable future for Laos’ tourism sector.

• Commitment to Green Growth: The EU reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote skills development and eco-friendly business models, contributing to a greener, more sustainable, and people-centered future.
• Strengthened Partnerships: The event facilitated direct engagement and experience sharing, strengthening public-private and international cooperation essential for achieving the SDGs.
• Focus on Preservation: A consensus was reached on the importance of balancing economic development with the preservation of Luang Prabang’s unique cultural and environmental identity, reinforcing the principles of **SDG 11**.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on “sustainable and inclusive tourism as a key driver of green growth, job creation, and cultural preservation.” This directly aligns with SDG 8’s aim to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The event’s location, Luang Prabang, is described as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site.” The discussions centered on positioning the city as a leading tourism destination “while preserving its unique cultural and environmental identity.” This connects to SDG 11’s goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, particularly through the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article highlights the promotion of “eco-friendly business practices” and “responsible investment” within the tourism industry. This reflects the principles of SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The event itself, an “EU–Laos Business Talk & Networking event,” is a prime example of partnership. It brought together “government officials, European and Lao business leaders, tourism experts, and development partners” to “strengthen partnerships between European and Lao businesses.” This directly supports SDG 17, which focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.9 (under SDG 8)
   • This target aims to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The article’s entire theme revolves around this, with discussions on “sustainable and inclusive tourism,” “job creation,” and “cultural preservation” in Luang Prabang.
2. Target 11.4 (under SDG 11)
   • This target calls to “strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The article explicitly mentions the need for “preserving its unique cultural and environmental identity” for Luang Prabang, a designated “UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
3. Target 12.b (under SDG 12)
   • This target focuses on developing and implementing “tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism.” The panel discussion and the EU’s commitment to supporting Laos through “initiatives that promote eco-friendly business practices, responsible investment, and skills development” are efforts towards creating and implementing such tools and strategies.
4. Target 17.17 (under SDG 17)
   • This target is to “encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.” The event, co-chaired by an EU Ambassador and a Lao Vice Governor and involving business leaders and development partners, is a direct manifestation of a public-private partnership designed to “strengthen partnerships between European and Lao businesses.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 8.9.2 (under Target 8.9)
   • This indicator measures the “Proportion of jobs in sustainable tourism industries out of total tourism jobs.” The article’s emphasis on “job creation” through “sustainable and inclusive tourism” and “skills development” implies a focus on increasing and improving employment within this specific sector.
2. Indicator 11.4.1 (under Target 11.4)
   • This indicator tracks the “Total expenditure (public and private) per capita spent on the preservation, protection and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage.” The discussion on attracting “sustainable investment” and “responsible investment” to preserve Luang Prabang’s identity directly implies a need to measure the financial resources dedicated to this goal.
3. Indicator 12.b.1 (under Target 12.b)
   • This indicator counts the “Number of sustainable tourism strategies or policies and implemented action plans.” The event itself, a “dynamic panel discussion on opportunities and challenges,” and the EU’s commitment to supporting Laos through specific initiatives, are steps towards developing and implementing such strategies.
4. Indicator 17.17.1 (under Target 17.17)
   • This indicator measures the “Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.” While the article does not state a specific monetary value, the EU’s reaffirmed “commitment to supporting Laos” and the organization of the event itself represent a commitment of resources (financial and otherwise) to these partnerships.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eeas.europa.eu