Government-UN joint mission to Bokeo

The first ever Government-UN joint mission visited UN-supported projects and the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In his remarks to the Governor, Thongchanh Manixay, Mr. Burkhanov explained, “The purpose of the joint visit is to better understand the development situation on the ground – the challenges and the needs – so that we can improve our programmes and tailor support”. 

Mr. Burkhanov congratulated the Governor for the strong statements made recently to take decisive action to disrupt and dismantle the illicit call centres and other illegal operations conducted in the SEZ, and welcomed his views on priority actions that the UN can support. He also requested the Governor’s leadership and support for a number of UN-supported programmes, including initiatives to bring children back to school, addressing gender-based violence, and facilitating the 2025 Population and Housing Census. 

Stating that Bokeo province has high poverty rates, Mr. Manixay requested for support to improve agricultural outcomes and transport connectivity in the province. Ms. Kyung-mee Kim, Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), expressed her interest in understanding the status of agriculture investment from the private sector, opportunities for agriculture value chains, climate-smart agriculture and rural development.  

The delegation visited the Women’s Centre for Counselling and Protection, run by the Lao Women’s Union and operational since 2023.  Supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), it has accommodated 46 survivors and those at risk of violence. Ms. Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said, “I am pleased to see that this center is providing essential health, residential, legal, and protection services to victims of trafficking and survivors of violence which are crucial for mobile population living in high-risk areas with vulnerabilities in Bokeo. IOM looks forward to working with the center in promoting protection and access to direct services.” 

The delegation visited farmers in DoiDaeng village in Tonphueng district. Under a Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UN Development Programme (UNDP), the farmers are shifting to grow organic vegetables and learning new techniques for climate-proofing their produce.  

Mr. Dao Xuan Lai, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative explained, “We are very pleased that this local sustainable agriculture initiative has strengthened the partnership between the farmers and the neighbouring markets and restaurants, who buy their produce, thereby providing a source of sustainable income to the community. UNDP will be scaling up this model and implementing in various provinces, including Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Ventiane Capital, and Xiengkhouang”.   

Emphasizing the importance of climate resilience, Mr. Avi Sarkar, Regional Manager of UN-HABITAT said: “Timely weather information is also important for farmers and local communities to understand how to prepare and respond to climate shocks – UN-HABITAT will be working with the Provincial Government to set up hydromet stations, evacuation centres and other resilient infrastructure”.   

Meeting with the SEZ Management, the Labour Management Unit, the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor and the Border Management Force, Mr. Burkhanov said, “Inter-governmental coordination is crucial to address trafficking and cross-border crime, and the UN agencies and international community can work together with you to identify emerging trends and strengthen data systems for viable solutions”. The delegation also visited the international check-point in the SEZ.  

The high-level visit concluded with a visit to the Thongthip temple, where they marveled at the recently excavated Buddha statues.  

Eight UN agencies have ongoing programmes or initiatives in Bokeo province. They cover a range of development needs that include improving outcomes in education, nutrition, and health; tackling gender-based violence; and building resilience of agriculture and infrastructure to climate shocks. The UN is also committed to work with Lao authorities on border security and crime, particularly in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.