(KPL) Xieng Khouang Province convened a review meeting on January 15, 2026, to assess the management of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and the implementation of unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance activities for 2025, while outlining key directions for future planning.

The meeting was held at the Xieng Khouang Provincial Office and chaired by Ms. Khamphat Vanlasy, Head of the Provincial Foreign Affairs Department. Participants included representatives from central government agencies, relevant provincial departments, and leaders of all seven districts in the province.

At the meeting, Mrs. Keoprasert Sinavonthong, Head of the International Cooperation Division, presented a detailed report on the implementation of INGO programs and UXO clearance operations at the provincial level for 2025, together with proposed plans for 2026.

The report indicated that during 2024–2025, a total of 15 international organizations implemented 19 projects in Xieng Khouang Province, with a combined value of USD 31.37 million, noting that some project budgets covered multiple provinces. In addition, one civil society organization, the Xieng Khouang Province Association for the Development of People with Disabilities, implemented one project valued at USD 30,000.

Currently, 15 international NGOs are implementing 21 projects with a total value of more than USD 36.02 million, alongside one civil society organization carrying out a project valued at nearly USD 40,000. These projects employ 975 Lao staff and are supported by five foreign experts, including two women.

INGO-supported activities cover a wide range of sectors, including public health, education, agriculture, labor and social welfare, vocational training, UXO clearance, disability support, disaster relief, and emergency response. These programs contribute to strengthening community capacity, promoting people’s participation, and supporting sustainable socio-economic development across the province.

Regarding UXO clearance, the National UXO Program in Xieng Khouang Province operates with 201 staff, including 56 women, supported by two Lao experts, one technical advisor, and 18 operational teams. With funding support from New Zealand totaling USD 3.18 million, clearance operations were conducted in four districts—Kham, Pek, Phoukout, and Nonghae—covering 30 villages. A total of 3,139 UXO items, including 690 cluster munitions, were destroyed, with 660 hectares cleared and 686 hectares completed, achieving 104 percent of the annual plan.

In addition, the National UXO Program received funding support from the United States amounting to USD 6.29 million. Under this support, 910 staff, including 377 women, three foreign experts, and one Lao expert, were deployed across 79 teams to implement clearance activities in all seven districts, covering 48 villages, resulting in the destruction of 2,072 UXO items.

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Khamphat Vanlasy expressed sincere appreciation to the Party, the State, and the governments and peoples of friendly countries for their continued support to Xieng Khouang Province. She emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between central and local authorities and international organizations, and called on all sectors to strictly adhere to established coordination mechanisms.

She further stressed that responsible committees and liaison officers must thoroughly understand foreign policy guidelines, relevant laws and regulations, and the contents of signed MOUs; carefully select and train qualified personnel; and closely monitor foreign experts to ensure project implementation aligns with agreed frameworks and local conditions.

Ms. Khamphat Vanlasy also highlighted the need for proper evaluation of projects nearing completion, clear justification and planning for projects requiring budget extensions, and continued implementation of UXO clearance and risk education activities in accordance with approved plans, accompanied by regular and timely reporting.

KPL