The project will assist in establishing a Lao national working group tasked with organizing the first meeting of states parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. It will aid in mobilizing appropriate support, assist the working group in supporting the Government's supervisory committee, and help the government carry out its duties under the convention's presidency.
 

Activities:

• Co-coordinate establishment of a national working group that will act as a project management team for the first meeting of states parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

• Partner with the group to oversee and manage the planning and organizing of the conference event.

• Identify and help establish a standing committee of experts in key thematic areas.

• Partner with the national working group and the standing committee of experts to formulate the conference content.

• Support the Lao Government as required to perform its presidency duties and functions.

Expected Outcomes:

• The conference will be successfullly held.

• It will further strengthen partnerships with other governments, UN agencies and civil society organizations.

• There will be agreement on a programme of inter-sessional meetings to discuss key thematic area.

• Reporting formats will be adopted to meet Article 7 of the convention.

• There will be unified advocacy for treaty universalization.

Project Budget: $750,000
Project Duration: January 2010 through January 2012
Budget Shortfall: $750,000
Targeted Beneficiaries: All countries, communities and individuals affected by cluster munitions.