Lao PDR

UNDP News

New UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana Pledges Support to Lao PDR's National Socio Economic Development Plan

 
 Dr Thongloun greets Ms. Sonam Yanchen Rana at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Vientiane , 15 November 2006 — The new Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Lao PDR and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the country, Ms. Sonam Yangchen Rana has pledged support to Lao PDR's Sixth Five-Year National Socio Economic Development Plan (2006-2010).

She made this pledge while presenting her letter of credence to Lao PDR's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane .

“The UN Country Team in Lao PDR is committed towards working closely with the Government of Lao PDR to eradicate poverty and improve health and education for all,” said Ms. Yangchen Rana. “We are fully committed to assist the people and government of Lao PDR as they strive to meet the Millennium Development Goals and tackle other challenges of development.”

“One of our key instruments in tackling the challenges laid forth in the MDGs is our United Nations Development Assistance Framework – or UNDAF – which represents our integrated five-year plan at the country level.”

The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) is a strategic framework and five-year plan for the UN system in Lao developed in partnership with the government. It focuses on three key areas: poverty, food security and livelihoods, social sectors including education, health, HIV and AIDS, and governance. The total resource allocation for the UNDAF for the five year period beginning in January 2007 is approximately $190 million. Ms. Yangchen Rana continued that “The UN system…see these [UNDAF focus areas] as critical to achieving national goals and the MDGs.”

She thanked the government of Lao PDR for accepting her as the new UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the country and promised to live up to the trust reposed in her and the UN family.

“Because of the approaching Round Table Government and Donor meeting and the need to sustain the reform, we are going to be extremely busy at the UN,” she added. “We shall continue to support the people and Government of Lao PDR to achieve the milestones ahead.”

Ms. Yangchen Rana, a national of Nepal , comes to Lao PDR as head of the UN and UNDP with significant experience in the field of development, having served as the Regional Director for HIV and AIDS in Asia/Pacific as well other key positions with the United Nations.

In her work, she has pioneered a range of intervention programmes in response to pressing national priorities and provided strategic direction to UN support to national development initiatives.

She is very positive about her new assignment in Lao PDR, “I and the UN Country Team are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead with the help and support of the Government and people of Lao PDR. I feel at home already.”