VIENTIANE: Laos is set to take centre stage in international efforts to rid the world of the threat posed by cluster munitions when it hosts and chairs the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane this month.
Speaking to reporters at a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane (pic), who is also chairman of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in Laos, said the country was fully prepared to host the event.
“Currently, Laos is 100 per cent ready to host the conference, as confirmed by the various subcommittees responsible for different areas of preparation,” he said, describing the conference as a source of great pride and an important opportunity for Laos to strengthen its role in international humanitarian cooperation.
The conference is scheduled to take place from September 13-18, bringing together more than 500 international delegates. Preparations have progressed across administrative, substantive, logistical and security areas, with the government working with relevant organisations and partners to ensure the country is ready to welcome participants.
Thongsavan described the return of the Convention to Vientiane as a “coming home”, noting that the Lao capital hosted the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention and that Laos was among the countries that supported efforts to establish and adopt the treaty.
He said the conference would reaffirm Laos’ commitment to international humanitarian efforts and provide a platform for States Parties and development partners to strengthen cooperation, reaffirm shared commitments, and work towards a world free from the threat of cluster munitions.
“Hosting the conference again in Vientiane demonstrates the steady and consistent will of Laos,” he said. For Laos, the conference carries significance beyond its international diplomatic role.
Thongsavan said it would provide an important opportunity to draw greater international attention to the country’s continuing UXO problem and mobilise additional funding, technical expertise and cooperation to support clearance efforts and assistance for victims.
Although the conference itself is not a UXO clearance operation, he said it could help translate international commitments into practical benefits for affected communities by promoting greater support for clearance, victim assistance, and the safe use of land for agriculture, livelihoods and development.
He linked these efforts directly to Laos’ national Sustainable Development Goal 18, which aims to ensure that people can live safe from the threat of unexploded ordnance.
As Chair of the conference, Laos will advocate for effective implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, with humanitarian action and UXO clearance for development among its key priorities.
It will also encourage wider participation in the Convention and stronger international cooperation to address the dangers posed by cluster munitions.
Thongsavan stressed that creating a world free from cluster munitions was not the responsibility of any single country, but a shared responsibility of the international community.
He said Laos would use its chairmanship to encourage States Parties and partners to strengthen joint efforts and support affected countries and communities.
The conference is expected to consider three key documents: a review of implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions; the Vientiane Capital Action Plan for 2027-2032, which will set out strategic directions for the next five years; and a Political Declaration setting out the conference’s broader commitments under the Convention.
Thongsavan called on the Lao people, particularly young people, students, local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders, to contribute to the successful hosting of the conference.
He urged the public to welcome foreign guests with warmth and friendship, respect different cultures, and help maintain a safe and clean environment during the event.
The conference is an opportunity for Laos to show that it is not only a country affected by the legacy of cluster munitions, but also a country determined to turn that painful legacy into a future of peace, safety and sustainable development, he said. - Vientiane Times/ANN
