Vientiane: The National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector in the Lao PDR (NRA) held a ceremony on 11 August in Vientiane to mark the 16th anniversary of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which came into force on August 1, 2010.
According to Lao News Agency, the event was co-chaired by Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Standing Vice Chairman of the NRA Board. It brought together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organizations, development partners, and key stakeholders. The ceremony was supported by development partners, including the Government of Ireland, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Lao PDR, and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
In his speech, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of ratifying the Convention and noted the ongoing impact of over 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions in Laos. These remnants of war continue to threaten lives and hinder socio-economic development across the nation.
Over the past 16 years, Laos has made progress in UXO survey and clearance operations, enabling land to be used for agriculture and infrastructure development. Additionally, the country has become a leader in promoting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18: "Lives Safe from UXO," setting an example for other affected nations.
Laos is also preparing to preside over the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC CCM). This is the second time the country will lead the process, following its hosting of the First Meeting of States Parties in Vientiane in 2010. The upcoming conference aims to adopt the "Vientiane Capital Action Plan 2027-2031," which will guide the convention's implementation globally.
As part of the anniversary event, an art competition titled "Messages from the Past to the Future" was held to celebrate Laos' presidency of the 3RC CCM. A total of 24 children and young people participated, submitting artwork that expressed hope and gratitude towards "pioneers of peace." Winners were awarded educational scholarships, and their artworks will be displayed at the 3RC CCM conference in September.
Additionally, clearance organizations conducted interactive Q and A sessions to educate youth and students about the CCM treaty and raise awareness of the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
The Convention on Cluster Munitions, which took effect on August 1, 2010, represents a crucial step in protecting civilians and reducing the global threat of cluster munitions. For Laos, a country heavily impacted for decades, the treaty is vital for ensuring a safe future aligned with SDG 18.
As the chair of the 3RC CCM, Laos is set to host the conference in Vientiane from September 13 to 18, 2026. This gathering is a significant milestone, building on the legacy of the inaugural 2010 meeting in Vientiane, as the global community works towards a world free of cluster munitions.
Selected artworks from the local competition will be featured alongside international exhibits during the conference for delegates to view.