SDG 18, “Lives Safe from Unexploded Ordnance (UXO),” was officially inaugurated in Lao PDR on September 8, 2016, during the ASEAN Summits, in the presence of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This unique goal was established to address the critical issue of UXO contamination resulting from the Second Indochina War. This goal was developed to handle the war legacy, with over 80 million cluster submunitions scattered across the country, posing a constant threat to the lives and livelihoods of the local communities. Lao PDR is currently the only country in the world with an official 18th Sustainable Development Goal.
SDG 18 aligns with the broader aspirations of Lao PDR’s 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), which emphasizes reducing UXO-related casualties to under 40 per year and aiding 1,500 UXO incident victims by 2020. The implementation of this goal is overseen by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for UXO/Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR, which coordinates policies, quality management, and capacity building within the UXO Sector.
Key activities under SDG 18 involve comprehensive UXO risk education, a survivor tracking system, and victim assistance encompassing medical care, psycho-social support, and educational aid. Furthermore, the goal incorporates a strategic approach to UXO clearance, including a three-step Survey and Clearance Process designed to systematically identify and neutralize UXO threats.
Despite considerable progress, challenges persist, primarily due to the extensive scale of contamination and financial constraints. The success of SDG 18 is significantly dependent on both national and international support, with funding playing a crucial role in sustaining UXO clearance and assistance efforts. The Lao government, alongside international partners, is actively working to enhance funding strategies to ensure the effective implementation of SDG 18.
