Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, chairs a preparatory meeting in Vientiane on Monday.

Laos prepares to host Convention on Cluster Munitions review meeting

The government began preparations on Monday to host a global conference that will review progress made under the United Nations’ Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The conference will take place in Vientiane in September.
Laos signed the global treaty in 2008 and ratified it in 2009. The country previously hosted the first meeting of member states in 2010.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, led the preparatory meeting, which was attended by senior ministry officials, representatives from other government bodies and mass organisations, staff from the National University of Laos, and Vientiane and Luang Prabang province administration officials. 
Representatives from surrounding districts of Vientiane were also present. A decree appointed these members to serve on the new national steering committee and its responsible sub-committees.
The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions will take place from September 14-18. Mr Thongsavanh said the conference aims to publicise the convention, raise Laos’ international profile, and build a positive image of the nation.
More than 900 participants from Laos and member states will attend. Mr Thongsavanh asked everyone involved and the general public to carry out their

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane (centre), on Monday gathers with committee members and senior officials for a meeting to prepare for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

duties with a strong sense of duty to ensure the success of the conference.
Director General of the Department of International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Head of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector Board Secretariat, Ms Moukdavanh Sisoulith, delivered a report.
Ms Moukdavanh said meeting participants would complete substantive preparations and visit Luang Prabang province to observe UXO clearance operations, risk education, and support provided to victims of UXO-related accidents.
Committee members held wide-ranging discussions on their specific mandates and tasks that must be completed ahead of the conference, as well as budgeting.
The planned workstreams cover protocol arrangements, venue preparation, transport for delegates, and the selection of assistants and volunteers. Security, public health, media coverage, exhibitions, and cultural events are also included.
Member states meet every five years to assess progress, negotiate the next action plan, and strengthen international cooperation. Laos won unanimous support to chair the conference. 
The conference holds deep symbolic meaning for Laos as the country remains one of the most heavily bombed nations per capita.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 26, 2026)