UNICEF Regional Director Urges Sustained Investment in Children as Lao PDR Approaches LDC Graduation

The Regional Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized the critical need for sustained investment in children as Lao PDR approaches its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. "The Lao PDR has made real progress in reducing poverty," stated Mr. Wijesekera. "What matters now is making sure every child shares in it, including the very youngest. Sustained investment in children, through this transition and beyond, is what is now needed. UNICEF will continue to support the Government to help protect and build on the gains made for children." This call highlights the importance of ensuring that the nation's development benefits all segments of society, particularly the most vulnerable, as Laos navigates its economic transition. LDC graduation signifies a move towards greater economic self-reliance but also potential shifts in international aid. UNICEF's continued engagement is vital for safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of children during this pivotal period. Separately, the news also covered the 1st Congress of the Party Cell of the Committee for Investment Promotion and Management (CIPM) under the chairmanship of Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, Secretary of the CIPM Party Committee. The congress was held on August 31, 2026. Additionally, an inter-sectoral coordination group between Vietnam and Laos conducted an inspection in the northwestern province Dien Bien from August 26 to 28 to review the implementation of the 2007 Hanoi Agreement on facilitating the movement of people, vehicles and goods across the shared border, as reported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on August 29. The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos hosted a banquet in Vientiane on August 28 to mark the 81st anniversary of the success of the August Revolution and the National Day of Vietnam. Furthermore, on August 28, 2026, the Institute of Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Embassy of India to the Lao PDR, jointly organized a lecture themed: "Lao PDR and India at 70: From Development Partnership to Comprehensive Partnership". On the morning of August 30, 2026, the Party Cell, led by Comrade Phonvanh Outhavong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldiers Monument and a flower basket at the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum. Source: KPL Laos News