The seminar brings together policymakers, legal experts, UXO clearance specialists, and representatives from States Parties and non-States Parties across the region to strengthen cooperation and technical capacity in addressing the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs representing the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO Sector in Lao PDR (NRA); Elizabet Te; Pamela A. Moraga; and Benita Sommerville.
Addressing the seminar, Mr. Anouparb highlighted the Lao PDR’s vision as President of the Third Review Conference of the CCM, emphasizing stronger regional and international cooperation to translate convention commitments into practical national action plans while encouraging peer-to-peer learning among member states.
Discussions during the seminar focus on the global implementation status of the CCM, UXO clearance mechanisms, victim assistance, risk education, and regional cooperation frameworks. Delegates also emphasized the importance of South-South Cooperation and support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Participants heard testimonies from cluster munition survivors and examined how UXO clearance contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the Lao PDR’s unique Sustainable Development Goal 18 on safe lives free from UXO threats.
As part of the programme, delegates will visit Kasi District in Vientiane Province to observe humanitarian clearance operations conducted by the Lao People’s Army’s UXO and Disaster Relief Center (Center 523). The field visit will provide firsthand insight into contamination surveys, clearance operations, destruction of unexploded ordnance, risk education activities, and community engagement efforts.
The seminar also supports preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, scheduled to take place in Vientiane Capital from Sept. 14–18, 2026.
As one of the countries most heavily affected by unexploded ordnance, the Lao PDR has remained a leading advocate for global action against cluster munitions. Laos hosted the First Meeting of States Parties to the CCM in 2010 and continues to prioritize UXO clearance within its national socio-economic development agenda.