Climate & Water Diplomacy: Lawmakers and water experts met in Vientiane for the 3rd Roundtable on Climate and Water Issues and the 9th AAWC meeting, pushing regional cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable water management. Mining Pollution Crackdown: Laos ordered Dao Chaleun to halt unlicensed iron mining and processing in Vang Vieng after inspections found the Song River turned turbid, with demands for rehabilitation and warnings of legal action. Disaster Risk Finance: A regional insurer said climate shock coverage is shifting toward finance ministries as Asean countries face rising extreme-weather costs and a persistent protection gap. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Laos promoted khaen music preservation under UNESCO-listed heritage efforts, while Laos also saw wildlife enforcement attention with a rare Siamese crocodile case highlighting ongoing protection needs. Health & Environment Skills: In Bokeo, a climate-smart agriculture and youth resilience project expanded to help young people build green livelihoods amid changing environmental conditions. Scam Economy Pressure: Laos handed over 67 Thai nationals tied to online scam and illegal gambling operations, underscoring how cross-border digital crime keeps expanding.