热博体育

From April 9-11, 2024, Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos, hosted the Commission for Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs (CAESE). This event, a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie with the participation of 热博体育 through the ASSET (Agroecology and Safe Food System Transitions in Southeast Asia) project and the ALiSEA (Agroecology Learning Alliance in South East Asia) network, was a platform for in-depth discussions and activities on advancing agroecological practices.

The event convened over 20 parliamentarians from Belgium, Benin, Cambodia, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Laos, Morocco, and Vietnam. 

Policymakers Connect with Young Farmers During Luang Prabang Field Visit

With the support from the ASSET project and the AliSEA network, of which 热博体育 is a key partner and member, FAO representatives organized a field visit to two agroecological farms in Luang Prabang Province: Nasao Village Integrated Organic Vegetable Family Farm and Ban Suan AiAoun Organic Farm, both managed by young farmers.

During the visits, MP delegations and farmers engaged in extensive discussions on the key challenges and opportunities for young farmers. Topics included:

• Production costs and profitability
• technical training
• market access for agroecological products (certifications, premium prices)
• policy support needed to foster inclusive and sustainable food system transformation

Such direct engagements aim to enhance the visibility of agroecological practices and broaden political support for sustainable agriculture in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and beyond, potentially leading to more informed policy-making.

The CAESE Meeting Expands Collaboration on Sustainability Across Sectors

Following the field visit, chaired by Mr. Mohammed Réda Lahmini from Morocco, Parliamentary Advisor and Representative of the House of Councillors within the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie, the CAESE meeting also welcomed Mr. Sommad Pholsena, Vice Chairman of the Lao National Assembly.

Pierre Ferrand, FAO Agricultural Officer, and Boris Gandon, FAO Partnerships Specialist for Parliamentary Alliances, used this opportunity to share their expertise in a broad range of topics:

• agroecology
• biodiversity loss 
• the promotion of women's entrepreneurship
• the APF legislative corpus on climate policies
• international negotiations within the World Trade Organization framework
• the interparliamentary advocacy for the eradication of plastic waste
• the importance of the circular economy