Laos reaffirmed its role in fostering cultural exchange between China and Southeast Asia. A visit to an arts university highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and the potential for nurturing young talent and deepening mutual understanding.
Vientiane, Laos is hosting the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, highlighting the nation's commitment to UXO clearance and humanitarian aid. Cooperation with the ICRC was reaffirmed, addressing the legacy of past conflicts.
At the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Vientiane, Laos, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stressed it as a critical milestone in translating political commitments into concrete actions. Progress in UXO clearance, victim assistance, and enhanced international cooperation were highlighted as key challenges.
The Lao Red Cross President, Khamlavan Chanthavanh, met with the Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jürg Lauber, reaffirming their commitment to continued humanitarian cooperation. Discussions covered the Lao Red Cross's activities and regional engagements, with the ICRC pledging support for humanitarian efforts within Laos.
Laos' Ministry of Culture and Tourism is considering a proposal to build a Khaen Music Museum to preserve the tradition, recently inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The ministry will submit the land allocation request to higher authorities.
Authorities in Laos' Boten district, Luang Namtha Province, have seized over 35,600 e-cigarettes during an operation targeting illegal smuggling. The case is being investigated under Article 315 of the Penal Code concerning the illegal transport of psychotropic and psychoactive substances.
Laos grapples with the enduring legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from past conflicts. This report features the testimonies of UXO survivors Santi and Nuay, highlighting their resilience and urgent plea for expanded educational, medical, and employment opportunities from the international community.
A workshop was held in Vientiane to discuss the implementation plan, technical solutions for sustainable development, human resource development, and measures to address the impacts of the Dakcheung bauxite mining and alumina processing complex project in Xekong province, Laos. This initiative highlights Laos' efforts to balance resource development with environmental and social considerations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged stronger cooperation to accelerate the development of the Global South at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He advocated for multilateralism and reform of the international order, proposing collaboration on global challenges like AI and climate change.
Several Lao companies and financial institutions have pledged nearly 7 billion kip (approximately $560,000 USD) to support the upcoming 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane. The Lao government plans to utilize these funds for demining efforts and conference preparations.
The Chinese government has provided US$20,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support flood-affected communities in northern Laos. The funds will be used for purchasing food, essential supplies, and medicines, as well as for infrastructure repair, reflecting the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Lao and Vietnamese state audit bodies held discussions to strengthen cooperation between their regional audit offices. Both sides agreed to continue collaboration in expertise sharing and capacity building. This move, set against Laos' economic challenges and close ties with Vietnam, appears aimed at enhancing governance transparency.
The 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Vientiane, Laos, deepened discussions towards a world free of cluster munitions and their remnants. Laos shared its long-standing experiences with the impact of these weapons, calling for greater international cooperation and support.
Lao PDR has called for stronger international cooperation, increased funding, and accelerated action to address the threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO). The 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) was held in Vientiane, where the Lao government emphasized its long-term national priority to tackle the UXO issue.
Lao traffic police are working diligently to ensure smooth transportation for delegates attending the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Vientiane. The conference, hosted by Laos, runs from September 14-18, with police deployed at key locations to facilitate delegate movements.
Laos hosted the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasizing shared humanitarian responsibility to heal war wounds. The conference focused on addressing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and victim assistance.
Laos hosted the 14th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Corridors Forum in Vientiane, gathering senior officials from six GMS countries, international organizations, and the private sector. The forum aimed to accelerate economic corridor development, strengthen regional economic integration, and enhance resilience against global challenges, with Laos emphasizing its transition from a landlocked to a land-linked nation.
Laos is discussing the implementation plan, technical solutions for sustainable development, and human resource development for a planned bauxite mining and alumina processing complex project in Sekong province. Balancing regional economic impact and environmental conservation is a key focus.
The developer of the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project has donated medical equipment to a local hospital. Meanwhile, plans for a Lao-Chinese joint venture coal-fired power plant are progressing in Xieng Khouang Province, signaling efforts to strengthen social infrastructure and energy supply in Laos.
Laos is hosting the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in its capital, Vientiane. The conference, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, brings together over 120 countries, highlighting Laos' commitment to addressing its legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO) while contributing to global peacebuilding efforts.
Luang Prabang Power has donated medical equipment to the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital. The initiative aims to strengthen regional healthcare and improve resident welfare, reflecting a focus on social infrastructure within Laos' one-party system.
Laos and Cambodia reaffirmed their cooperation on unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and victim assistance during a meeting between their deputy prime ministers and foreign ministers, ahead of Laos hosting the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Both nations emphasized strengthening international efforts to address the legacy of UXO from the Indochina War.
A workshop was held in Vientiane to discuss the implementation plan, technical solutions for sustainable development, human resource development, and measures to address the impacts of the Dakcheung bauxite mining and alumina processing complex project in Xekong province, Laos. The project is significant for Laos's economic development but raises environmental and social concerns.
An international delegation of over 270 representatives from more than 120 countries visited a UXO clearance site in Luang Prabang, Laos, to witness the nation's efforts in addressing unexploded ordnance. The visit precedes Laos' hosting of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
A Masterclass under the Mekong-Australia Partnership concluded in Luang Prabang, bringing together young leaders from Laos and Vietnam. The program focused on practical skills and regional networking for public sector challenges, including smart village development and digital transition.
A Lao-Chinese joint venture has announced plans to construct a 330-MW coal-fired power plant in Xieng Khouang Province. While aiming for economic development, the project raises questions about environmental impact and energy policy.
The traditional boat racing festival in the ancient northern city of Luang Prabang attracted 27 boats, creating a lively atmosphere as part of the Ho Khao Padap Din (Ancestor Memorial Festival). The event served to reaffirm local cultural heritage and community bonds.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited Phongsaly Province, directing practical transformations towards an independent and self-reliant economy, modernizing revenue collection, and strengthening education, environmental protection, public health, and crackdowns on online scammers. A new school building was also donated.
A workshop was held in Vientiane to discuss the implementation plan, technical solutions for sustainable development, human resource development, and measures to address the impacts of the Dakcheung bauxite mining and alumina processing complex project in Xekong province, Laos. This highlights Laos's challenges in balancing resource development with environmental preservation.
As the chair of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) for 2026-2027, Laos is set to host the AWEN Forum and Awards on October 2, 2026, in Vientiane. The event aims to promote women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
A workshop was held in Xekong province, Laos, to discuss the sustainable development of the Dakcheung bauxite mining and alumina processing complex project, an investment from Vietnam. Officials from both nations emphasized environmental protection, community contribution, and human resource development.
Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially handed over a newly constructed school building in Phongsaly Province, aiming to improve educational facilities for local communities. The event underscores Laos' commitment to enhancing its education infrastructure and fostering international cooperation.
The provinces of Champasak in Laos and An Giang in Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation from 2026 to 2030, following a review of their existing 2022-2026 agreement. This signifies a strengthening of ties between the two regions.
Laos' Deputy Prime Minister urged stronger cooperation in connectivity, investment, and sustainable development at the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, highlighting the Laos-China Railway and promoting investment opportunities.
In Laos, "dignity kits" supported by the Australian government are being distributed to women and girls affected by recent floods. These kits contain essential hygiene and personal items and also provide information on preventing gender-based violence and reproductive health.
Ahead of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM), Laos will host international delegates for a field visit to Luang Prabang to observe UXO impact and clearance efforts, aiming to deepen global understanding and support for the nation's UXO challenge.