On November 18, 2024, the JuSTICE project held the Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ) Technical Consultation Meeting at the Landmark Hotel in Vientiane. This pivotal event brought together key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities within Component 4: Climate and Environmental Justice as it is an essential pillar of the project with a focus on enhancing the capacity of judicial actors in environmental law, the initiative seeks to align Laos’ national environmental standards with international benchmarks and foster sustainable development.

The meeting was honored chaired by Mr. Khamphone Sipaseurth, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Justice and attended by representatives from relevant partners including the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, the People’s Supreme Court, the Lao Bar Association, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, JAPD, the Legal Dissemination Department, the National Institute of Justice, and the Department of Legislation.

The primary objective of the consultation was to identify the technical assistance and capacity-building needs of stakeholders and to explore how the JuSTICE project can address these priorities effectively. This platform also introduced Mr. Matthew Baird, the newly appointed International Technical Assistant for Component 4. With extensive expertise in environmental law across various region including Southeast Asia as well, Mr. Mathew Baird along with The JuSTICE project team will lead the development and implementation of customized activities designed to meet the unique needs of partners in the area of climate and environmental justice.

The discussions illuminated critical areas of focus for advancing environmental justice in Laos. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity of comprehensive training programs to build expertise in environmental law as the field that remains relatively new and underdeveloped in the country. Practical tools, such as guidebooks and procedural frameworks, were identified as essential resources to facilitate the effective implementation of environmental laws and to promote seamless inter-agency coordination.

Furthermore, the meeting served as a collaborative platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns, share insights, and align their efforts. This dialogue not only strengthened partnerships but also laid a solid foundation for future initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges.

Looking Ahead

The CEJ Consultation Meeting underscored the importance of tailored technical support and capacity-building initiatives to empower judicial actors and other stakeholders. By addressing these needs, the JuSTICE project is poised to play a crucial role in advancing climate and environmental justice in Laos.

As the project continues to engage with key partners, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering a robust judicial framework that upholds environmental sustainability and justice. The outcomes of this meeting marked a significant step forward in bridging the gap between national and international standards, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future for Laos.