Xiengkhuang – In a significant visit aimed at bolstering the partnership and collaborative efforts towards unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in Lao PDR, Mr. Christophe Bahuet, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Director of the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, led a distinguished delegation which included UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Martine Therer, to the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) located in Lek Village on 26th March 2024.

The visiting team was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, His Excellency Mr. Padeumphone Sonthany, alongside notable figures from provincial departments, the UNDP and UXO Lao teams.

During their visit, the delegation received comprehensive introduction briefing from Mr. Anousak Phongsa, National Programme Director of UXO Lao on UXO Lao working in Lao PDR and specifically working in Xiengkhuang province where UXO Lao receive funding support from the Government of New Zealand through UNDP in Lao PDR. UXO Lao clearance team also guided Mr. Bahuet in a controlled detonation.

Further, the delegation also visited the recently inaugurated UXO FFE garden and staff dormitory at the UXO Lao Xiengkhuang office, where deminers can eat, relax, and rest in comfortable conditions after long hours of hard work locating and clearing unexploded ordnance. The visit underscores the UNDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting UXO clearance initiatives in Lao PDR, fostering a safer environment and advancing sustainable development across the country.