Early Childhood Protection: Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports signed a 2026–2031 cooperation deal with Vietnam to roll out the ERA Kids programme for 3–5-year-olds, focusing on sex education and skills to prevent sexual abuse, including support for teachers and caregivers to adapt materials to Laos’ preschool curriculum. Human Resources Push: The Central Party Theoretical Council reviewed a draft resolution on developing high-quality human resources, flagging gaps in digital literacy, foreign language skills, creativity and innovation, and urging closer alignment between workforce training and labor market needs. Biodiversity & Gender-Forward Conservation: Canada-backed funding through the CEPF supported 100 civil society grants across the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, including Laos, targeting community conservation and gender equality by strengthening women’s leadership in conservation efforts. Regional Health Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos reaffirmed military medical cooperation, highlighting training of Lao personnel, technology transfer, and reproductive medicine as part of a strengthened partnership. Tourism on the Mekong: Heritage Line’s redesigned Upper Mekong ship Anouvong returns to Laos on 31 July, with updated onboard spaces and new shore experiences in Pak Sith and Ban Baw. Scam Trafficking Warning: The UN migration agency warned of a surge in people forced to work in Asian scam compounds, including in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, often recruited via fake job ads targeting English-speaking, educated workers.