At present there are more than 60 knowledgeable and experienced UN volunteers working with various local sectors and in remote rural areas of Lao PDR, and this number continues to grow steadily and greatly benefit our country. The volunteers have used their knowledge, and have worked cooperatively to assist the Government of Lao in socio-economic development and improvement of people s lives. On this occasion, the Government would like to express its sincerest thanks to the contributions made by volunteers and colleagues, international organizations, and NGOs. We hope for your continued cooperation and support as you are the agencies that will support Lao people of all ethnic groups to rise from the level of Least Developed Country by the year 2020. Lao PDR has a distinct and precious culture.
Lao people love peace, and are generous.
They often help each other without any expectation of reward. This has long been a custom deeply inscribed in the minds of Lao people. Along with efforts put towards national construction, and development, volunteerism was established. Local volunteers can be seen working cooperatively in health, illiteracy, and arts promotion campaigns which are, in turn, major forces in helping develop our society. Such campaigns have been implemented through mass organizations such as the Lao Youth Union, the Women s Union, and Trade Union.