LCCC organized the 3rd Civil Society Organization Fair 2023 at Fountain Park, Thakhek District, Khammouan Province during March 1-2, 2024

The Lao Civil Society Organization Coordination Committee (LCCC) organized the 3rd Civil Society Organization Fair 2023 at Fountain Park, Thakhek District, Khammouan Province during March 1-2, 2024 with more than 30 organizations from CSOs together with government representatives from many divisions and nearby provincial departments, as well as general public attendees.

The event was graced with comments from Mrs. Alee Bouachum, Head of the Department of Home Affairs in Khammouan Province; Mrs. Barbara Meincke, Program Director of the GIZ CEGGA Program and Dr. Chansy Phimphachanh, Chair of the Lao Civil Society Coordination Committee (LCCC). Opening remarks kicking off the fair were delivered by Mr. Saly Thongsavanh, Director of the Konglor-Natane Ecotouristic Association (AEKN).

The first Civil Society Organization Fair in Khammouan province had the theme "CSOs' Contribution to promote Lao products alongside Lao culture, tourism, and a green environment for sustainability." The fair aimed to provide an opportunity for Lao CSOs in the central and southern regions to showcase their work and products, promote and preserve handcrafted items as part of their culture, and contribute to Lao Tourism Year 2024. It also seeked to strengthen CSOs' involvement in local socio-economic development and facilitate the exchange of experiences, knowledge and collaboration among CSOs in development efforts.

The event included knowledge-sharing discussions on cultural and tourism topics, information about disasters, reproductive health, the environment, and legal labor migration, as well as performances of literary arts and dramas from youth groups, communities and CSOs. This was be followed by a question-and-answer session.

The LCCC hosted the event with funding and support from several European partners active in Laos, including Switzerland, Germany, and the EU through the CEGGA II Programme.