Unicef, Laos plan future cooperation

Unicef remains committed to working side-by-side with the Lao government to further develop the country’s human capital, equipping Lao children with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential. - AFP

LAOS (Vientiane Times/ANN): Unicef remains committed to working side-by-side with the Lao government to further develop the country’s human capital, equipping Lao children with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their potential.
This was the message delivered by Unicef Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Debora Comini when she met with Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune on Monday.
Comini is visiting Laos for the first time as Unicef Regional Director.
She is also taking part in the Unicef Regional Management Team Meeting, a high-level gathering of regional leaders to discuss children’s situation in the region and how to achieve results for children.
Prof. Dr Kikeo and Comini reviewed the Lao government and Unicef’s long-standing partnership as well as how UNICEF can further support Lao women and children, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing challenges of food insecurity and financial pressures.
“The government values its decades-long partnership with Unicef", which has helped to deliver results for every Lao child, from improved hygiene, health and nutritional outcomes, to ensuring quality education and adequate social protection for families,” Prof Dr Kikeo said. Unicef provided vital assistance to Laos’ Covid-19 response, including the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines and support for the national vaccination campaign, alongside efforts to protect children’s health and learning and ensure the safe reopening of schools.
Comini commended the government’s robust leadership in managing the national Covid-19 response as well as other key achievements, such as the recent declaration of Vientiane as the first open-defecation-free capital city in Asean.
She additionally thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his leadership in the field of nutrition as well as support for women, children and maternal health and child rights as Chair of both the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children and the National Nutrition Forum.
“Unicef looks forward to strengthening our partnership with the Lao government and to further provide tailored support across key areas for every child and young person in Laos,” Comini said.
She also paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Phonevanh Outhavong.
Unicef is continuing support for the development of Laos’ human capital, while reiterating its importance to Laos’ planned graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2026.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment is collaborating with Unicef in developing the new Country Programme Document between the two parties, which establishes the priority areas of work between the Lao government and Unicef from 2022 to 2026.
Laos has made steady progress in meeting the Human Development Indicators, including those linked to education, which has set the stage for Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status.