On March 12, 2024, Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a Mid-Term Review (MTR) meeting for the project supported by the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the project titled: “Support Effectiveness and Efficiency in the UXO Sector to contribute to the achievement of SDG 18 and Safe Path Forward III (SPF III) and UXO Lao Operations in Khammouane Province” in Thakhek District, Khammouane Province.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Kienta Vanhmana, Director of Foreign Affairs Department and Vice Chairperson of Provincial Regulatory Authority on Mine/UXO Action in Khammouane province, with participation of esteemed representatives from ministries and departments at provincial and district levels, along with UXO Lao, Luxembourg Embassy, Lux Dev and UNDP.

The purpose of this meeting was to review the progress of the project implementation of Luxembourg-funded 2 Area Clearance, 1 Technical Survey and 1 Explosive Ordnance Risk Education teams in UXO Lao Khammouane, which began UXO works since March 2023. In addition, the meeting also discussed key achievements and challenges in field operations and way forward for the implementation of work plan for 2024.

After the meeting, the participants visited UXO Lao’s operation site in Nammala-Naphadaeng Village, Mahaxay District which is also the target village for Lux Dev development project with the government. The participants keenly observed UXO Lao’s field activities at clearance site.