Laos Holds First National Media Conference to Chart Future Direction

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee has successfully convened the First National Media Conference, a landmark event aimed at strengthening media development and charting the future direction of the sector. The conference was chaired by Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong, Member of the Politburo and Standing Secretary of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, and attended by senior Party officials, government representatives, and media professionals from across the country. In his opening address, Gen. Vilay highlighted the conference as a pivotal moment for Lao media, stating that it would comprehensively review recent achievements, assess the implementation of a Politburo resolution on enhancing Party leadership and state management of the media, identify existing challenges, and formulate strategic priorities for the sector's development through 2030. He reaffirmed the Party and Government's consistent view of the media as a crucial pillar for political and ideological work, public communication, and national development. The media, he emphasized, serves as a vital channel for disseminating Party policies, state laws, and national development strategies, while also fostering public consensus, strengthening political stability, and combating misinformation. Following the opening session, Khamphan Pheuyavong, Member of the Politburo and Head of the Party Central Committee's Information and Education Commission, presented a report reviewing the media sector's performance and outlining its strategic development priorities up to 2030. Khammon Chanthachit, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Information and Education Commission, presented the Politburo's resolution on strengthening Party leadership and state management of the media in the new development context. The conference also featured presentations and policy discussions on key issues shaping the future of Lao journalism. These included the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in media operations, modernization of telecommunications infrastructure, strengthening analytical and investigative journalism, professional development of media personnel, digital transformation, promotion of tourism through local media, public-private cooperation in media innovation, protection of media interests in the digital era, and the media's role in political communication, youth education, and safeguarding national security. Participants also exchanged views on enhancing the quality, professionalism, and credibility of Lao media, reinforcing its role in supporting the Party's strategic objectives for national development and defense. The conference is expected to conclude with a policy address by President Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Lao PDR, outlining the Party and Government's vision for the future development of the Lao media sector.