Lao PDR

First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions

This photo essay presents the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions – the largest international gathering ever hosted by the Government of Lao PDR. The meeting brought together delegates from 118 states and more than 560 civil society representatives to discuss ways forward in implementing the Convention. The meeting was organised in Vientiane, Lao PDR from 9 to 12 November 2010. Watch photo essay.

Helen Clark visits Lao PDR to join the Round Table Meeting

The Round Table Process promotes in-depth dialogue with development partners to improve the effectiveness of international assistance in line with the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. The aim is to support what matters most for the country's development; improving the health and education of Lao people, expanding their income opportunities and contributing to sustainable development. The 10th Round Table Meeting was organised 20 October 2010. Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator and Chair of United Nations Development Group, visited Lao PDR to join the meeting. Watch photo essay.  

The Convention on Cluster Munitions

This photo essay presents the historic Convention on Cluster Munitions - an international agreement adopted in 2008. When the Convention became binding international law on 1 August 2010, 107 countries had signed and 33 ratified the Convention. Lao PDR was among the first countries to sign, and will also host the First Meeting of States Parties in November 2010. Watch photo essay.

Increasing Human Development, Investing in People - 4th National Human Development Report

Power, Voice and Rights - Recommendations of the Asia-Pacific Human Development Report on Gender

This photo essay presents the eight key recommendations from the regional human development report on gender: Power, Voice and Rights - A Turning Point for Gender Equality in Asia and the Pacific. The report was published on 8 March 2010, for the International Women's Day. Watch photo essay, read more or read the full report.

Achieving the MDGs in the Lao PDR

While Lao PDR has made improvements in several areas and is on track to achieve some MDGs, there is concern about the sustainability of MDG gains given the country's reliance on Official Development Aid. To address this, the Government has sought support from UNDP to help identify alternative options to ensure the continuity of MDG progress beyond 2015. Watch photo essay