Vientiane’s Patuxay Monument hosted a celebration as ASEAN capital governors unveiled a symbol representing ASEAN musical instruments. The event, on 19 September, included a tree-planting ceremony, blending cultural significance with environmental awareness.
The event featured notable attendees, including Naly Sisoulith, the wife of the President of Laos, Vientiane Governor Athsaphangthong Siphandone, and ambassadors from ASEAN member countries.
Governor Athsaphangthong emphasized that the tree-planting activity symbolizes appreciation for the success of recent key regional meetings, including the Meeting of governors and mayors of ASEAN Capitals, the ASEAN Mayors’ Forum, and Annual meeting of the AIMF regional network in South-East Asia.
He also highlighted the importance of the activity in contributing to a greener and more beautiful Patuxay Park, aligning with ASEAN’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
The newly expanded area of Patuxay Park not only increases green space in Vientiane but also reinforces cooperation between ASEAN capitals. The gathering, themed “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” focused on key discussions around green tourism, sustainable economic development, livable cities, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
Patuxay Park is now home to many native Lao trees, as well as sculptures, symbols, and national musical instruments representing ASEAN capitals.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/asean-symbol.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-28 10:59:412024-10-09 11:01:02Symbol of ASEAN Musical Instruments Unveiled at Patuxay Park
Namtheun 2 was recognized for its excellent health and safety performance at the 5th ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET) Awards, held on 11 September.
The award was presented at an event organized by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, which also featured the 11th ASEAN-OSHNET Conference, a Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Safety through Global Supply Chains, and the 25th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting.
The ASEAN-OSHNET Excellence Awards honor companies across the ASEAN region for their achievements in occupational safety and health. The awards highlight outstanding practices and contributions that support the region’s goal of fostering a skilled and competitive workforce.
The Government of Laos, through the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, nominated Nam Theun 2 for the award, recognizing the company’s strong safety culture and excellent performance.
Nam Theun 2’s CEO, Marc-Antoine Rupp, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to health and safety.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award,” he said. “This accolade reflects the development of our safety culture and reaffirms Nam Theun 2’s steadfast commitment to health and safety.”
“Our safety performance highlights our dedication to achieving Zero Harm. It also underscores the success of our targeted safety programs, which focus on critical areas and key safety indicators.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to every employee, contractor, and member of the local community who contributed to this achievement. Their unwavering commitment to safety ensures that we all return home safely each day.” Marc-Antoine added.
On 18 September, 250 participants, including ministerial delegations and high-ranking officials from ASEAN member states, along with representatives and technical experts from dialogue and development partners, gathered in Vientiane, Laos, for the 2nd ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue. Under the theme ‘Sustainable Investment for a Connected, Resilient, and Water-Secure Southeast Asia,’ the dialogue reflected the shared commitment to addressing critical water security challenges across the Mekong and ASEAN regions
Co-convened by the Mekong River Commission (MCR) and ASEAN Secretariats, this Dialogue has evolved into an important mechanism for fostering regional cooperation, enhancing resilience, and advancing sustainable development in the Mekong and ASEAN region.
“The ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue has the potential to become a cornerstone—a cornerstone of our regional efforts, fostering collaboration not just among the Mekong countries, but across all ASEAN Member States,” said Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, on behalf ASEAN Chair 2024.
Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos. (Photo supplied by the Mekong River Commission)
The Dialogue recognized the numerous pressing challenges facing ASEAN and the Mekong region, including the impacts of climate change, disaster-related events such as floods, droughts and landslides, human-induced changes, water scarcity, and food security concerns. The ongoing impacts of these challenges demand urgent action, and opportunity to chart a common vision for cooperation.
“This dialogue provides a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to exchange innovative ideas, identify possible areas for enhancing cooperation toward sustainability, and reaffirm our dedication to tackling water security challenges in the Mekong and ASEAN,” said Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit.
The need for increased investment in water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainable management and conservation of natural resources was emphasized, along with the importance of enhanced cooperation among ASEAN Member States and their institutions to address these interconnected issues effectively. It was acknowledged that only through a concerted and unified regional, multilateral and transboundary effort can we ensure resilience and water security for the people and ecosystems of Southeast Asia.
Anoulak Kittikhoun, the CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, highlighted, “Investments in MRC – ASEAN institutional cooperation, disaster monitoring, forecasting and management, and joint infrastructure projects will make the Mekong and broader region more connected, resilient and water secured.”
ASEAN and the MRC were commended for their leadership roles in addressing water security and promoting regional cooperation. ASEAN has been instrumental in fostering political dialogue and connectivity, while the MRC continues to serve as a trusted “regional knowledge hub”, a mature “water diplomacy platform” and a successful model of transboundary water cooperation in the Mekong region.
ASEAN Member States are committed to deepening partnerships towards a more connected and resilient Mekong and ASEAN region. The Dialogue reinforced a forward-looking and optimistic vision where regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared investments and joint projects will drive progress toward water security and sustainable development for all.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ten-Heads-of-Deletation-of-ASEAN-Countries-2048x1013-1.jpg10132048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-24 10:54:282024-10-09 10:57:11ASEAN-Mekong Water Security Dialogue Kicks Off in Vientiane
Symbol of ASEAN Musical Instruments Unveiled at Patuxay Park
Vientiane’s Patuxay Monument hosted a celebration as ASEAN capital governors unveiled a symbol representing ASEAN musical instruments. The event, on 19 September, included a tree-planting ceremony, blending cultural significance with environmental awareness.
The event featured notable attendees, including Naly Sisoulith, the wife of the President of Laos, Vientiane Governor Athsaphangthong Siphandone, and ambassadors from ASEAN member countries.
Governor Athsaphangthong emphasized that the tree-planting activity symbolizes appreciation for the success of recent key regional meetings, including the Meeting of governors and mayors of ASEAN Capitals, the ASEAN Mayors’ Forum, and Annual meeting of the AIMF regional network in South-East Asia.
He also highlighted the importance of the activity in contributing to a greener and more beautiful Patuxay Park, aligning with ASEAN’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
The newly expanded area of Patuxay Park not only increases green space in Vientiane but also reinforces cooperation between ASEAN capitals. The gathering, themed “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” focused on key discussions around green tourism, sustainable economic development, livable cities, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
Patuxay Park is now home to many native Lao trees, as well as sculptures, symbols, and national musical instruments representing ASEAN capitals.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/20/symbol-of-asean-musical-instruments-unveiled-at-patuxay-park/
Namtheun 2 Wins ASEAN-OSHNET Excellence Award for Outstanding Safety Performance
Namtheun 2 was recognized for its excellent health and safety performance at the 5th ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET) Awards, held on 11 September.
The award was presented at an event organized by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, which also featured the 11th ASEAN-OSHNET Conference, a Policy Dialogue on Enhancing Safety through Global Supply Chains, and the 25th ASEAN-OSHNET Coordinating Board Meeting.
The ASEAN-OSHNET Excellence Awards honor companies across the ASEAN region for their achievements in occupational safety and health. The awards highlight outstanding practices and contributions that support the region’s goal of fostering a skilled and competitive workforce.
The Government of Laos, through the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, nominated Nam Theun 2 for the award, recognizing the company’s strong safety culture and excellent performance.
Nam Theun 2’s CEO, Marc-Antoine Rupp, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to health and safety.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award,” he said. “This accolade reflects the development of our safety culture and reaffirms Nam Theun 2’s steadfast commitment to health and safety.”
“Our safety performance highlights our dedication to achieving Zero Harm. It also underscores the success of our targeted safety programs, which focus on critical areas and key safety indicators.”
“I extend my sincere gratitude to every employee, contractor, and member of the local community who contributed to this achievement. Their unwavering commitment to safety ensures that we all return home safely each day.” Marc-Antoine added.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/19/namtheun-2-wins-asean-oshnet-excellence-award-for-outstanding-safety-performance/
ASEAN-Mekong Water Security Dialogue Kicks Off in Vientiane
On 18 September, 250 participants, including ministerial delegations and high-ranking officials from ASEAN member states, along with representatives and technical experts from dialogue and development partners, gathered in Vientiane, Laos, for the 2nd ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue. Under the theme ‘Sustainable Investment for a Connected, Resilient, and Water-Secure Southeast Asia,’ the dialogue reflected the shared commitment to addressing critical water security challenges across the Mekong and ASEAN regions
Co-convened by the Mekong River Commission (MCR) and ASEAN Secretariats, this Dialogue has evolved into an important mechanism for fostering regional cooperation, enhancing resilience, and advancing sustainable development in the Mekong and ASEAN region.
“The ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue has the potential to become a cornerstone—a cornerstone of our regional efforts, fostering collaboration not just among the Mekong countries, but across all ASEAN Member States,” said Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, on behalf ASEAN Chair 2024.
The Dialogue recognized the numerous pressing challenges facing ASEAN and the Mekong region, including the impacts of climate change, disaster-related events such as floods, droughts and landslides, human-induced changes, water scarcity, and food security concerns. The ongoing impacts of these challenges demand urgent action, and opportunity to chart a common vision for cooperation.
“This dialogue provides a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to exchange innovative ideas, identify possible areas for enhancing cooperation toward sustainability, and reaffirm our dedication to tackling water security challenges in the Mekong and ASEAN,” said Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit.
The need for increased investment in water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainable management and conservation of natural resources was emphasized, along with the importance of enhanced cooperation among ASEAN Member States and their institutions to address these interconnected issues effectively. It was acknowledged that only through a concerted and unified regional, multilateral and transboundary effort can we ensure resilience and water security for the people and ecosystems of Southeast Asia.
Anoulak Kittikhoun, the CEO of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, highlighted, “Investments in MRC – ASEAN institutional cooperation, disaster monitoring, forecasting and management, and joint infrastructure projects will make the Mekong and broader region more connected, resilient and water secured.”
ASEAN and the MRC were commended for their leadership roles in addressing water security and promoting regional cooperation. ASEAN has been instrumental in fostering political dialogue and connectivity, while the MRC continues to serve as a trusted “regional knowledge hub”, a mature “water diplomacy platform” and a successful model of transboundary water cooperation in the Mekong region.
ASEAN Member States are committed to deepening partnerships towards a more connected and resilient Mekong and ASEAN region. The Dialogue reinforced a forward-looking and optimistic vision where regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared investments and joint projects will drive progress toward water security and sustainable development for all.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/19/asean-mekong-water-security-dialogue-kicks-off-in-vientiane/