Presidency of the CCM 3 Review Conference

14/08/2026

The Presidency of the Third Review Conference held an informal consultation with States on 13 August 2026 in Geneva to exchange views on the three key Conference documents: the Review Document, the Vientiane Capital Action Plan (2027–2031) and the Political Declaration.

The consultation focused on the overall direction of the documents, key achievements and challenges, priorities for the next implementation cycle, and areas where further consideration and consultation are needed.

11/08/2026

Lao PDR Presidency Holds Final Briefing Ahead of Third Review Conference

On 11 August 2026, H.E. Mr. Daovy VONGXAY, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations in Geneva, provided the final briefing for delegations in Geneva ahead of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (3RC), to be held in Vientiane from 14-18 September 2026.

The briefing covered the latest organizational and logistical preparations, including registration and accreditation, visa arrangements, the Conference programme and schedule, the 13 September field visit to Luang Prabang, transportation, accommodation, meeting arrangements, side events, exhibitions, bilateral meetings and informal consultations on the outcome documents.

Delegations are encouraged to complete outstanding registration, visa and travel arrangements by the relevant deadlines and to remain engaged in the final preparations. The briefing also provided an opportunity for delegations to raise questions and seek clarification from the Presidency and the Conference Secretariat.

The Lao PDR Presidency looks forward to welcoming delegations and partners to Vientiane in September and to working together towards the successful 3RC.

31/07/2026

On 1 August 2026, we mark the sixteenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns and recognize the humanitarian progress achieved through international cooperation and solidarity.

As the Convention community prepares to return to Vientiane for the Third Review Conference, let us shape its next chapter together.

Read the full statement from the Lao PDR Presidency:
https://www.clusterconvention.org/3rc-presidency-statement-on-1st-august-anniversary-of-the-conventions-entry-into-force/

3RC Presidency Statement on 1st August Anniversary of the Convention’s Entry into Force 31 July, 2026 News Share: Older Post 3RC Side Event Submission Open – Deadline 14 August

02/07/2026

The Second Preparatory Meeting for the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (CCM) was held on 1 July 2026 in Geneva, and presided over by H.E. Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with participation of representatives of States Parties, signatory States, observer States, international organizations, and civil society to advance preparations for the Third Review Conference, to be held from 14 to 18 September 2026 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The President underscored the importance of continued collective commitment, constructive engagement, and strengthened cooperation to address the humanitarian consequences of cluster mu*****ns and advance the objectives of the Convention.

Participants exchanged views on the preparation of the main outcome documents of the Third Review Conference, including the Review of the Operation and Status of the Convention (2021–2026), the Vientiane Capital Action Plan 2027–2031, the Political Declaration, and Implementation Support and other matters important for achieving the aims of the Convention, including the sponsorship programme, resource mobilization, and innovative approaches to enhance cooperation.

Discussions highlighted progress achieved in areas including clearance of cluster mu****on remnants, risk education, victim assistance, international cooperation and assistance, and national implementation. Participants also considered remaining challenges and opportunities to ensure effective implementation of the Convention.

The proposed Vientiane Capital Action Plan 2027–2031 was highlighted as a forward-looking framework to guide implementation during the next review period. Participants also discussed the importance of strengthening international cooperation, solidarity, and sustainable support for affected communities.

Updates were also provided on assessed contributions under Article 14 of the Convention, as well as logistical and administrative preparations for the Third Review Conference, including field visit scheduled for 13 September.

The Second Preparatory Meeting concluded with the adoption of its procedural report, reaffirming the commitment of States Parties and stakeholders to ensuring a successful and meaningful Third Review Conference in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

29/06/2026

A Strategic Dialogue on Universalization of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (CCM) was convened on Friday, 26 June 2026, at Maison de la Paix in Geneva, by the Presidency of the Third Review Conference of the CCM, the Lao PDR, in collaboration with Switzerland and the Coordinators on Universalization, Costa Rica and Norway with the support of CCM Implementation Support Unit (CCM ISU), providing an opportunity for representatives from States Parties, signatory States, States not yet party, international and regional organizations, civil society and humanitarian partners to to reflect on the current status of universalization, recent developments affecting adherence to the Convention’s norms, and priorities for the way forward.

The dialogue built upon the outcomes and lessons learned from two recent regional universalization workshops held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, for the Asia-Pacific region, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African region. These workshops provided valuable platforms for States Parties, signatory States, States not yet party, regional and international organizations, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities to promote broader adherence to the Convention.

Participants reaffirmed that universalization remains central to the effectiveness, legitimacy and humanitarian impact of the Convention. They underscored the importance of sustained political engagement, regional leadership, cooperation and practical support to encourage broader adherence and advance the Convention’s humanitarian objectives.

The dialogue also supported discussions on priorities for the next review cycle, including how the outcomes of the Third Review Conference can help maintain momentum towards universalization and further strengthen the global norm against cluster mu*****ns.

08/06/2026

Representatives from 27 African States and nine international, regional, academic, and civil society organizations met in Addis Ababa on 4–5 June 2026 for a regional workshop aimed at advancing universalisation and implementation of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (CCM) in Africa.

The workshop was co-hosted by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in its capacity as the Presidency of the Third Review Conference of States Parties to the CCM, and the Republic of Cameroon, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid, and the CCM Implementation Support Unit, and the financial support of Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

The opening session featured remarks by H.E. Mr. Daovy Vongxay, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations Office in Geneva; H.E. Ewumbue-Monono Churchill, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cameroon in Addis Ababa; and Mr. Hillary Kiboro Muchiri, Deputy Head of Delegation and Legal Adviser, ICRC Delegation to the African Union.

Over two days, participants exchanged experiences and discussed practical approaches to advancing the universalisation and implementation of the Convention in Africa. Discussions focused on the Convention's key provisions, including clearance, risk reduction education, victim assistance, international cooperation and assistance, transparency measures, and national implementation legislation.

States Parties and signatory States, including Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Lao PDR, Mauritania, Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Africa, shared their national perspectives, experiences, and good practices related to joining and implementing the Convention. Angola shared its national perspective on the Convention and its engagement with the universalisation process, while States Parties highlighted progress achieved and remaining challenges in implementation and in advancing universalisation across the region.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of strengthening international cooperation, supporting affected communities, and promoting universal adherence to the Convention. They also recognized the important leadership role played by African States and the African Union in advancing humanitarian disarmament efforts across the continent.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation and achieving universal adherence to the Convention, reaffirming the goal of ending the suffering and casualties caused by cluster mu*****ns.

11/05/2026

On 05 May 2026, H.E. Mr. Daovy Vongxay, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR, received H.E. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other specialized institutions in Geneva, as well as to the World Trade Organization.

The two sides exchanged views on the importance of strengthening the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (CCM), particularly in upholding its humanitarian norms and objectives.

The Holy See also expressed its support for the Lao PDR’s Presidency in the preparations for the Third Review Conference of the Convention, including efforts on universalization and the development of a new action plan.

22/04/2026

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all panelists and speakers for their valuable contributions to our side event, “From Policy to Practice: Implementing Commitments under the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns,” held today on the margins of NDM29 in Geneva.

We are grateful for the insights shared by representatives from the National Regulatory Authority of Lao PDR ຂ່າວສານ ຫ້ອງການ ຄຊກລ/ NRA Office News, Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme, Lebanon Mine Action Center - المركز اللبناني للأعمال المتعلقة بالألغام (LMAC), MAG (Mines Advisory Group), and UNMAS, as well as the contributions from Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining - GICHD and The Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns Implementation Support Unit.

Your perspectives from the field enriched the discussion and will help inform ongoing efforts toward the development of the next CCM Action Plan, including the Vientiane Capital Action Plan.

We look forward to continuing this important exchange and collaboration.


Photo credit: © GICHD/Antoine Tardy

22/04/2026

Geneva, 21 April 2026 — at the Palais des Nations, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic presided over the Fourth Coordination Committee Meeting of the Convention on Cluster Mu*****ns (CCM) as momentum builds for the upcoming Third Review Conference.
Key Highlights:
• Action Plan Development: Building on the March Preparatory Meeting, participants prioritized results-oriented planning for the new Vientiane Capital Action Plan.
• Global Outreach: The Presidency announced upcoming regional workshops in Asia-Pacific and Africa to promote universalization, alongside the launch of the 2026 CCM Global Youth Campaign, “Voices Across Time.”
• Operational Updates: The Committee reviewed thematic progress, UNODA briefings on Article 14 contributions, and updates from the Implementation Support Unit (ISU).
The Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive process, urging stakeholders to maintain political will to ensure the Convention delivers tangible results for affected communities.
Next Meeting: 12 June 2026 | Geneva