More than 250 representatives from the UN, government, development partners and private sector gathered at the Lao Plaza Hotel, 24 October, to commemorate the 66th Birthday of the United Nations and 56th year of Lao – UN collaboration.

At the event the UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR, Mr. Minh Pham, praised the government for its development gains and stressed the importance of making sure that everyone benefits, “We must work harder to ensure that development gains are shared by all Lao people, the vast majority of whom continue to live and work in rural areas.” He added, “Despite the considerable progress of recent years, poverty and near poverty remain widespread, and inequalities between rural and urban areas are rising.”

The Lane Xang Cultural Group, made up of young Khaen players, trained by teachers from the National School of Dance and Music, entertained the crowd with their performance. 

Read the full speech by Mr. Minh Pham, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR

Read the Secretary-General's UN Day_message

Photo: UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Minh Pham and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith Photo Credit: UNDPLaoPDR/Toby Fricker