Coffee and tea enthusiasts gathered in Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, from 3–5 October 2025 to celebrate International Coffee and Tea Day, a weekend dedicated to honoring the nation’s growing coffee and tea culture and the millions of workers behind every cup. Under the theme “Coffee and Tea for Better Lives: Embracing Collaboration for a Sustainable Future,” the event brought together government officials, international organizations, coffee and tea producers, and civil society representatives to promote ethical sourcing, fair trade, and improved access to social protection, particularly for workers in underserved rural areas. Across the country, coffee and tea shops and local organizations hosted tastings, events, and awareness campaigns to highlight the link between sustainable production and worker welfare.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has emerged as a prominent coffee and tea producer in Southeast Asia, with the Bolaven Plateau recognized for its high-quality Arabica beans and Phongsaly Province known for tea cultivation. Despite this success, many farmers and laborers face low wages, limited social protection, and restricted access to healthcare and education, challenges compounded by a high level of informal employment, estimated at over 80 percent. Loveleen De, Project Manager at the ILO, emphasized that supporting workers through fair wages, healthcare access, and social security is crucial for transforming livelihoods and strengthening communities.
The celebration also featured a service desk hosted by the Social Security Office of Luang Prabang, providing information about the National Social Security Fund, assistance with enrollment, contribution facilitation, and guidance on benefits. The service desk received positive feedback, with several attendees registering on the spot. One visitor, Moukdaphin, shared that the event allowed her to continue her social security membership voluntarily after changing jobs, highlighting the practical impact of the initiative on workers’ lives and social protection access.
