Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane chairs a meeting on preparations to host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.            --Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Govt finalises preparations to host int’l cluster munitions conference

The government is finalising preparations to host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, with more than 500 delegates having registered to attend the international gathering in Vientiane from September 13-18.
The National Steering Committee, which is organising the conference, convened a meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane.
More than 150 members of the National Steering Committee and its 12 sub-committees attended the meeting, which reviewed preparations across all areas to ensure that Laos is fully ready to host the event.
Director General of the Department of International Organisations and Head of the Conference Secretariat, Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith, reported on progress made by the relevant sectors relating to logistics, infrastructure, transport, conference venues and other essential services.
She said Laos’ hosting of the conference represented an important transition, from being a “victim country” to a leader in international humanitarian diplomacy.
Despite a volatile global situation and declining interest in disarmament issues in some regions, Laos, as a peace-loving country, remains committed to promoting disarmament and international humanitarian efforts.
The participation of more than 500 delegates demonstrates broad international interest in the conference and reflects the continued strength and relevance of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Hosting the conference is of particular significance to Laos, demonstrating the government’s continued commitment to international efforts to promote peace and humanitarian action through the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The conference will provide an important platform for Laos to advance efforts to address the threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO), which continues to affect communities across the country, contributing to the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal 18 “Lives safe from UXO”.
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavan instructed all sectors and the 12 sub-committees to strengthen their responsibility and coordination and ensure 100-percent readiness in all areas ahead of the conference.
He stressed that close cooperation among the relevant sectors was essential to ensuring the successful organisation of the event and enhancing Laos’ profile on the international stage.
The conference is expected to adopt three key documents: a review of implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions; the Vientiane Action Plan for 2027-2032, which will provide strategic direction for the next five years; and a Political Declaration setting out the conference’s broader commitments under the Convention.
The successful hosting of the conference is expected to further demonstrate Laos’ commitment to international peace, disarmament and humanitarian action while strengthening international cooperation to address the long-term impact of cluster munitions and other forms of unexploded ordnance.

The flash floods struck after several upstream rivers rose rapidly following days of heavy rain, sending water southward into Laos. A hydrology station on the Tha River recorded water levels at 6.58 metres on Saturday—above the 6-metre flood warning threshold and approaching the 7-metre flood level.
The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued a flood warning for the Tha River for August 29-30. Provincial authorities have ordered administrations in five districts to alert residents living along rivers, in low-lying areas and other vulnerable locations to prepare for possible evacuation if water levels continue to rise.
Local officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation, respond quickly to incidents and report regularly to the provincial authorities, the local television station reported.
A broader warning covers 14 provinces this weekend as a low-pressure system moves across northern Laos and southwest China.
Combined with the southwesterly monsoon, the system is expected to bring scattered thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rain and strong winds.
Provinces at risk include Phongsaly, Huaphan, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Xaysomboun, Bolikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Salavan, Xekong, Champasak, Attapeu and Vientiane.
Residents along riverbanks and in low-lying areas are urged to stay alert, follow weather forecasts and prepare for possible flash floods and landslides.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 31, 2026)