Coffee and tea lovers gathered in Luang Prabang to celebrate International Coffee and Tea Day during 3-5 October 2025, a weekend dedicated to the nation's growing coffee and tea culture and the millions of workers who make every cup possible.
Under the theme "Coffee and Tea for Better Lives: Embracing Collaboration for a Sustainable Future" , the celebration brought together government officials, international organizations, coffee and tea producers, and civil society to promote ethical sourcing, fair trade and improved access to social protection, especially for workers in underserved rural areas.
Across the country, coffee and tea shops, and local organisations also hosted events, tastings, and awareness campaigns to highlight the connection between sustainable coffee and worker welfare.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic has emerged as a notable coffee and tea producer in South East Asia, with the Bolaven Plateau renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans and its famous tea cultivation in Phongsaly Province.
Yet many farmers and labourers continue to face low wages, limited social protection and restricted access to healthcare and education; issues exacerbated by high levels of informal employment in the country (estimated at over 80 per cent).
© Keomany Sipaseuth
"Coffee and tea are an essential part of Lao culture and economy, but it is vital to ensure the people behind the beans and leaves are supported," said Loveleen De, Project Manager, ILO. "Providing fair wages, healthcare access, and social security can transform livelihoods and strengthen communities".
The event also featured a service desk, hosted by the Social Security Office of Luang Prabang (PSSO), offering information about the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), assistance with the enrollment process, contribution facilitation and benefit guidance. The service desk received positive feedback, with several people registering on the spot.
"I used to be a social security member for seven years while working at a bank, and in 2019, I even received maternity benefits. Later, I changed my job and my new employer only provided private life and accident insurance, but not the same comprehensive coverage such as maternity and pension benefits that I used to have before. Since then, I have been looking for ways to continue my social security coverage. Today while attending this coffee event, I learned that I can actually continue my social security membership voluntarily by registering at the service desk. I think that's really helpful!" said Moukdaphin, a booth visitor at the event.
© Keomany Sipaseuth
ILO is working in Lao People's Democratic Republic to extend social protection coverage and improve working conditions for informal workers through its Accelerating Universal Social Protection for Achieving the SDGs and Ending Poverty (ILO-UNDESA) project. This aims to implement innovative approaches, including those previously piloted under its Reducing Vulnerability in Lao People's Democratic Republic: Advancing Social Protection and Labour Rights and Entitlements in the Coffee and Tea Sectors (SOLAR) project. To explore more about the farmers' experience and their journey toward social protection, visit Stories from the SOLAR Project.
