VIENTIANE: An event to mark International UXO/Mine Awareness Day took place in Vientiane on Wednesday (April 1), bringing together government officials, international partners and young people to highlight the urgent need for continued action on unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace, Invest in Mine Action”, places particular emphasis on youth engagement in Laos. She noted that Laos is hosting and chairing the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in September. She described this as a symbolic “coming home” of the Convention to the country that has suffered the most from cluster munitions and has become a leading voice for a world free from cluster munitions. The winners will receive scholarships worth up to 10 million kip and will be offered an opportunity to collaborate with international youth representatives.

Source: International New York Times April 04, 2026 12:45 UTC