Vientiane, Lao PDR, 07 September — Ms. Ayshanie Medagangoda‑Labé has  officially assumed her role as the new Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, following the official presentation of  her credentials to H.E. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Deputy Minister, H.E. Anouphab Vongnorkeo, on behalf of the Government of Lao PDR, welcomed Ms. Labé, and acknowledged UNDP’s important contributions in the country over many years and highlighted priority areas for continued collaboration. These include advancing economic self‑reliance following Lao PDR’s graduation from the Least Developed Country status, strengthening national ownership and national capacities, and enhancing resilience to climate vulnerability, particularly through disaster preparedness. 

Ms.Labé reaffirmed UNDP’s longstanding partnership with the Government of Lao PDR, building on decades of cooperation in support of national development priorities — including development planning, poverty reduction, unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, stronger institutions, and climate action. 

The Deputy Ministry and the Resident Representative both emphasized that Lao PDR’s national financing framework — bringing together public, international, and private resources — is key to achieving results, especially in today’s tight financing environment. They reaffirmed the value of multilateralism and South‑South cooperation, and the continued strength of UNDP’s partnership in supporting Lao PDR’s development aspirations. 

"Our partnership with Lao PDR is built on decades of trust. It is a unique opportunity to walk alongside the country’s development journey — supporting national priorities and delivering on the post‑graduation agenda. Post‑graduation is about turning Lao PDR’s progress into lasting gains — more jobs, stronger services, and greater resilience so that progress truly reflects the aspirations of the Lao people.” Said Ms. Labé.

Ms. Labé noted that through the outcomes of the forthcoming Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munition and the recently approved Country Programme Document (2027-2031), UNDP will continue its support to focus on three pillars: people, institutions, and nature. She also underscored the importance of promoting young talent and women’s leadership as integral to inclusive and sustainable development.  

Ms. Labé brings more than 25 years of international development experience across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, through research, teaching, community development, advisory and UNDP leadership roles. Her experience spans governance, inclusive development, crisis recovery, climate and environmental action, institutional transformation, and support to countries navigating major development transitions.