On 19 February 2026, in Luang Prabang Province, UXO Lao welcomed a delegation from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, led by Ms. Dana Avram, First Secretary of the New Zealand Embassy. During the visit, the delegation observed UXO Lao’s on-site UXO clearance operations in Hadkhor Village, Pak-Ou District, and also toured the UXO Lao Visitor Center in Luang Prabang Province.

The purpose of the visit was to monitor progress in the implementation of UXO clearance activities, which remain a key priority of the Government of the Lao PDR in addressing the legacy of UXO contamination. These efforts also support the country’s commitments under international conventions, as Lao PDR prepares to host and chair the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, scheduled for September 2026 in Vientiane Capital.

The Government of New Zealand has long been a valued partner in supporting the UXO sector in the Lao PDR, including sustained assistance to UXO Lao. At present, this support contributes to UXO Lao’s operations in Xiengkhouang Province under a multilateral cooperation framework implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Laos.

The Government of New Zealand’s long-standing partnership and steadfast commitment to UXO clearance have significantly mitigated the risks and impacts of UXO on the lives and livelihoods of the Lao people. This collaboration also promotes socio-economic development in the Lao PDR, contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 18 – “Lives Safe from UXO.”