(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has officially assumed its role as a member of the UNICEF Executive Board for the 2025–2027 term, following its election by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in April 2024. This marks the second time the Lao PDR has held a seat on the Board, with its first tenure taking place from 2001 to 2003.

The UNICEF Executive Board consists of 36 UN Member States, elected by ECOSOC to serve three-year terms. The Board provides intergovernmental oversight of UNICEF’s work, approves policies, and ensures accountability. It also monitors programme performance, approves budgets and country programmes, and advises on new initiatives in line with the policy guidance of the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC.

At the First Regular Session of the Board, held from 4–7 February 2025, Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations, stated: “The Lao PDR is honoured to serve on the UNICEF Executive Board once again. Over the years, we have witnessed the profound impact of UNICEF’s partnership with our government in advancing child well-being. However, the challenges remain, particularly as we navigate climate change and economic uncertainties. We call on the global community to sustain and expand investments in child-centred initiatives to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.”

To mark its return to the Board, the Lao PDR’s Permanent Mission co-hosted an informal networking event with the Australian Permanent Mission, bringing together Board members, development partners, and UNICEF’s senior leadership.

UNICEF has been a key partner of the Lao PDR for over 50 years, having established its first office in Vientiane in 1973. Over the decades, UNICEF has worked closely with government counterparts and stakeholders across key sectors—including health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and child protection—to support national efforts to uphold the wellbeing of every child. Recent achievements include significant reductions in child mortality, expanded immunization coverage, strengthened nutrition programmes, and the introduction of innovative digital learning platforms to improve education access, particularly in remote areas.

Welcoming the Lao PDR’s membership on the Executive Board, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR, Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, stated: “The Lao PDR’s election to the UNICEF Executive Board reflects its growing leadership and commitment to global efforts to advance children’s rights. UNICEF looks forward to working closely with the Lao PDR during its tenure on the Board to strengthen policies and programmes that improve the lives of children, both in the Lao PDR and around the world.”

As a member of the UNICEF Executive Board, the Lao PDR will engage with global partners to support UNICEF’s strategic priorities and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

KPL