During 22-23 December 2021, UXO Lao held the 2021 annual review meeting and work planning for 2022 at Thavisouk Island Hotel, Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province with funding support by the Government of Ireland through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), U.S. Government through Tetra Tech and World Without Mines Foundation (WWM), Switzerland.

The meeting chaired by H.E. Mr. Padeumphone SONTHANY, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, who is also the Vice Chairman and Standing Member of National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR (NRA). With participation of UXO Lao National Programme Director – Mr. Bounphamith Somvichith, Deputy National Programme Director – Mr. Saomany Manivong, Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs and technicians of all Units totaling 74 people (31 female).

At his opening remarks, Mr. Padeumphone instructed UXO Lao to enhance its ownership in supervision and management of all their activities at all levels both central and local; Develop working modality and ensure all implementing activities consistent with regulations, standard of operation procedures and planned activities; It should also closely support, inspect and monitor field activities regularly; Moreover, UXO Lao should ensure that all project summary reports are well prepared and submit within a timeframe.

In addition, the meeting also reviewed the implementation outcomes of the 2021 activities and presented details of work planning for 2022 from all units and discussed pending issues and challenges related to each area of work, to come up with better solutions for years to come.

Moreover, the meeting also has group discussion aiming on enhancing and strengthening internal coordination, external cooperation and teamwork.

Apart from the meeting, UXO Lao also conducted outdoor activities aiming to enhance internal coordination, solidarity and relationship among UXO Lao staff.