The report from the meeting to discuss the Conflict Mapping Project in Lao PDR.

1. Introduction:

The First National Network Meeting on discussion for the research mapping conflict in the Lao PDR was held on 25 March 2003, in Vientiane. The meeting was organized by the SEACSN-Laos and the Department of Public Administration and Civil Service (DPACS).

2. Objectives:

The objectives of the meeting were to introduce and promote the SEACSN activities to SEACSN-Laos members and to encourage them to participate in the Conflict Mapping Research Programme, to share ideas, experiences and give recommendations and to identify issues for research mapping conflict in Laos, to prepare for the SEACSN Conference on “Peace and Conflict Studies in Southeast Asia-Issues and Challenges” in 2004. It also aimed to upgrade the capacity of Lao network members (central and local levels) who work related to research skill can better understand and analyse the constraints, risks and approaches that relevant conflicts and conflict resolution/management. Mr. BounNhang XASANAVONG reported and explained the process of project activities in the past two years and the target plans for 2003.

3. Participation:

The meeting was attended by 19 members from central and local organizations who represented the State Inspection Committee, the Technology & Environmental Organization,PMO, the Committee for Planning & Co-operation, the National University of Laos, the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lao Front for National Construction, the National Organization for the Study of Policy and Administration, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the Governor of two Provinces.

4. Proceedings:

The meeting was formally opened at 08:30 on 25 March by Mr. BounNhang XAYSANAVONG, National Coordinator of SEACSN-Laos. The meeting focused on the critical issues such as discussions on the main issues of conflict that could be the research mapping topics in Laos so that participants (SEACSN-Laos members) could share ideas and valuable experiences from their various case studies.

The conflict issues raised in the meeting were: the impact of development on social transformation, culture and traditional preservation, and the needs of development versus environment protection. The meeting was formally closed at 16:15 on 25th March 2003.

Suggestions from the participants:

- The SEACSN Laos should increase the number of members participating in the research exchange programme. Researchers should have the opportunity to conduct research in other member countries within the network, not only in Thailand.
- The National Coordinator should consider funding for the National University of Laos to improve technical research analysis and for the Lao Front for National Construction to promote researching in religion and ethnic or minority areas.
- It would be better to transfer this responsible project to an organization or institute that has roles related in research activities.
- What exactly is the objective of the Research Exchange Programme in Laos?
- The conflict issues in Laos recently are “the impact of transformation tourism to the society, culture preservation and protection environment development”.

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