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The Lao PDR has stepped up preparations to host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC CCM), scheduled for September 13–18, 2026, by convening a series of technical consultations and stakeholder engagement activities in Vientiane.
The events were organized by the Department of International Organizations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the Secretariat of the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO Sector in the Lao PDR (NRA). More than 200 representatives from government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, development partners and the private sector participated.
The programme began with a technical consultation on conference side events, co-chaired by Mr. Alounlangsy Rajavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organizations, and Ms. Johanna Hazebroek, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in Laos. Discussions focused on strengthening a people-centred and community-based approach to UXO action while integrating cross-cutting issues such as climate change, environmental protection, gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities, sustainable development and community participation into the draft Vientiane Action Plan, which is expected to be adopted during the Review Conference.
A separate briefing was held to update diplomatic missions and international organizations on protocol arrangements and organizational preparations for the conference, ensuring coordinated support and readiness ahead of the high-level gathering.
The day's programme concluded with a multi-stakeholder event chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Vice Standing President of the NRA, to promote greater support for UXO victims and strengthen partnerships for the successful organization of the conference. The event featured presentations on victim assistance, a photo exhibition illustrating the humanitarian impact of unexploded ordnance, and discussions on enhancing cooperation among government agencies, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
As the world's most heavily cluster munition-affected country, Laos' hosting of the Third Review Conference underscores its continued commitment to advancing the humanitarian objectives of the Convention on Cluster Munitions and strengthening international cooperation in addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance.
KPL
