The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) held its Scientific and Strategic Steering Committee (CPSS) in Luang Prabang on November 19, bringing together Laotian and French partners to assess priorities for ecosystem sustainability and the One Health approach. Through round-table discussions, presentations, and workshops, scientists, officials, and academics discussed ongoing interdisciplinary projects related to land use, soil and water resources, biodiversity, and pathogen transmission. The event aimed to set the agenda for future actions and priorities in these areas.

A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the SMART observatory (Sustainable Mountain Agroecosystem Research and Training station) in Ban Lak Sip, designed to address food safety and water-related health risks in Southeast Asia. The observatory was inaugurated by Laotian authorities, the French Ambassador to Laos, and the IRD Representative in Laos. H.E. Ms. Siv-Leng Chhuor, Ambassador of France to Laos, described the observatory as a symbol of cooperation and shared knowledge, contributing to sustainable development solutions in the isolated mountainous areas of northern Laos. This observatory is a continuation of the M-TROPICS observatory, and it will play a pivotal role in devising environmentally and socially sustainable development strategies.

The event also marked IRD's 80th anniversary, with a cocktail reception held at the French Institute in Luang Prabang. The evening featured speeches from French Ambassador H.E., the Director of the French Institute, and the IRD representative in Laos. The reception included a photo exhibition and screenings of scientific short films on health anthropology, waste management, and the exposure of waste pickers to health risks.