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On July 23, 2026, the International Seminar on Global Governance for Human Security, co-organized by the Global Network Program, was held online.

The seminar welcomed Dr. Kaisone Phengsopha, Director General of the Higher Education Department, Lao Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES). The presentation outlined the role of higher education in Lao PDR's national development. The country has 29 higher education institutions, a total enrollment of about 15,000 students, and a tertiary progression rate of around 30%. Dr. Phengsopha presented the policy framework running from the Constitution through the Education Law, ESSDP, NSEDP, and the Higher Education Development Strategy, the three-tier planning process (national, institutional, faculty), key implementation partners (MOES, universities, provincial authorities, and development partners such as the World Bank, ASEAN, UNESCO, and JICA), and the internal/external quality assurance system. Achievements included increased enrollment, 51% female students, improved ICT access, expanded scholarships, and stronger ties with ASEAN, JICA, KOICA, DFAT, and the World Bank. Challenges included funding constraints, a shortage of PhD-holding faculty, graduate skills mismatch, urban-rural gaps, and weak industry collaboration. Ten recommendations were presented with short-, medium-, and long-term priorities, closing with the message that "investing in higher education is investing in the future of Lao PDR."

42 students, faculty, and staff participated online. In the Q&A, questions covered international students and funding bodies — Dr. Phengsopha cited JICA, KOICA, DFAT, the ASEAN University Network, the World Bank, and UNESCO as key supporters of scholarships and funding. On enrollment growth, he pointed to rising IT-sector demand and STEM enrollment trends, while noting overall growth remains gradual. The seminar offered participants a valuable opportunity to learn concretely about the current state and challenges of higher education policy in Lao PDR.