UNICEF Laos celebrated its 50th anniversary with delegations visiting Xieng Khouang from Thursday to Saturday last week, to see the significant progress made for children in the country over the past five decades.
The visit highlighted key milestones achieved through the strong partnership between the Lao Government and UNICEF, focusing on achievements in upholding child rights and data for children contributing to measuring progress in national development.
Ms. Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), Mark Hereward, UNICEF Chief Data Officer, and UNICEF Representative to Laos, Pia Rebello Britto, and other officials toured Khoun District, Xiengkhouang Province.
They visited Phonxay, some villages in Khoun District, and met with families who have benefited from the child protection program.
The program has been instrumental in safeguarding the rights of children, and the pilot project, supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), has a particular focus on better-supporting children with disabilities and their households to ensure no child is left behind.
In Naxay Village of Khoun District, the delegation met with the survey team for the Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS III) to observe the data collection process in action.
The insights gained from the national survey will help the Lao Government and UNICEF design more effective policies to improve the lives of Lao children and women.
The data from the survey will also contribute to an understanding of the progress made under the 9th NSEDP for human resource development and the achievements of several SDGs.
In Oum Khaoyao Village, the delegation visited the spring water and sanitation system, which has been pivotal in providing clean water and improving the health of the community. This success story exemplifies the long-standing commitment of UNICEF and the Lao Government to advance water and sanitation initiatives in the country.
“The 50-year partnership between the Lao Government and UNICEF has brought about significant improvements in the lives of our children and women. The progress we see today in areas such as health, child protection, and water and sanitation is a result of our collective efforts and determination,” said Ms. Phonevanh Outhavong, the Vice Minister of the MPI.
“We look forward to continuing our work with UNICEF to further enhance the well-being of our people and achieve our shared vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Laos,” she noted.
“The progress achieved for children in Laos over the past 50 years is remarkable, and it is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Lao Government and UNICEF to work together to create a better future for every child,” said Mark Hereward, UNICEF’s Chief Data Officer.
The visit to Xieng Khouang highlighted the dedication of UNICEF Laos and the Lao Government to continue their partnership in advancing the well-being of children and women in the country.
As UNICEF Laos celebrated its 50th anniversary, the organization reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Lao Government in realizing its development goals and building a brighter future for all Lao children.
“Over the past 50 years, UNICEF Laos has been privileged to work hand-in-hand with the Lao Government, striving to create a better future for the children and women of this country,” said Pia Britto, UNICEF Laos Representative.
“We are immensely proud of the progress we have made together and remain steadfast in our commitment to continue supporting the Lao Government in achieving its development goals. Over the coming months, we will continue to celebrate this milestone, our partnership is more important than ever in ensuring that every child in Laos has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Pia Britto, UNICEF Laos Representative.
