Ms. Meijer, a national of Dutch, comes with more than 25 years of professional experience in the areas of reproductive health, gender, and adolescent and youth. She joins UNFPA Lao PDR from her previous posts as UNFPA representative in India and Country Director in Bhutan. Prior to that, she was the Regional Representative for an International NGO in development cooperation covering Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan and worked in a variety of settings with Governments and international organizations. 

During the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Salermxay Kommasith warmly welcomed Ms. Meijer for her new assignment in Lao PDR. He appreciates UNFPA's contribution and look forward to further strengthening cooperation with UNFPA in Lao PDR. His Excellency also highlighted the commitment of the Government in supporting the United Nations in its delivering as one in Lao PDR and support to UNFPA programme. 

Ms. Meijer expressed that she is honored to take up her new assignment in Laos and is looking forward to work with the Lao Government. "UNFPA is developing its sixth country programme in 2016, a very exciting moment to arrive here. I will work with all my energy, passion and experience to support Lao PDR to improve the empowerment and wellbeing of women, men and young people". She also expressed her appreciation and congratulated the Lao Government for its commitment made at the Family Planning 2020 Conference in Bali last month. The commitment was made towards providing greater access to services and contraceptives and reducing unmet needs, hence improvement of people's reproductive health and rights.

For more information please contact:

Vanly Lorkaungming, Communications Associate - UNFPA Lao PDR
Tel: +856 21 315547
Mobile: +856 20 99903355
E-mail: lorkaungming@unfpa.org