Mr Mark Gallagher joins award-winning photographers, participants, and guests at the opening ceremony of the “Sustainable and Inclusive Plastic-Free Communities” photo exhibition during EU Green Diplomacy Week 2026 at the Parkson Mall in Vientiane.

EU Green Diplomacy Week promotes plastic-free communities

The European Union has launched Green Diplomacy Week 2026 in Laos to promote action towards sustainable and plastic-free communities.
The annual initiative began on October 2 with the opening of the “Sustainable and Inclusive Plastic-Free Communities” photo exhibition at the Parkson Mall in Vientiane.
The exhibition highlights community efforts and initiatives to address plastic pollution and promote more sustainable lifestyles across Laos.
EU Green Diplomacy Week brings together partners, communities and citizens to promote dialogue, cooperation and action on climate and environmental challenges.

This year’s activities in Laos focus on the urgent issue of plastic pollution. They also showcase how individuals and communities can contribute to building a cleaner and greener future.
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Laos, Mr Mark Gallagher, pointed out that plastic waste is not only an environmental issue but can affect ecosystems, people’s health and livelihoods, so communities have a direct stake in addressing it.
“Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental challenges of our time. It affects ecosystems, human health and livelihoods, and its impacts are felt in communities across Laos,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Through this exhibition, we want to highlight the many inspiring examples of people across the country who are taking action, finding creative solutions and demonstrating that change is possible,” he added.
The exhibition features the 30 best photographs selected from a nationwide photo competition under the theme “Sustainable and Inclusive Plastic-Free Communities”.

The photographs show young people, communities, businesses and individuals taking action to reduce plastic waste, keep their surroundings clean and encourage more sustainable practices.
Photographers received special prizes during the opening ceremony in recognition of their contributions.
The European Union is committed to supporting the transition towards a circular economy and more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, both globally and in Laos.
The EU continues to support environmental action and the transition towards a circular economy in Laos through several initiatives.
These include the Empowering to Act for Circular Transition in Plastics in the Lao PDR (EMP-ACT), which supports efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

The Lasting Laos initiative promotes sustainable consumption and production, circular economy approaches and decent work practices in the tourism value chain.
The Sustainable Consumption and Production in the Lao PDR (SCP Lao) initiative works with civil society organisations, youth and women’s associations, and local authorities to turn circular economy principles into practical action.
As part of Green Diplomacy Week, visitors can take part in activities that promote sustainable lifestyles.
These include an upcycling craft workshop and the “Circle of Change” activity, which encourages people to exchange and reuse pre-loved items.
The EU is also inviting people across Laos to take part in the “Green Steps Challenge”, a nationwide walking and running campaign that promotes healthier lifestyles and raises awareness of action against plastic pollution.
The “Sustainable and Inclusive Plastic-Free Communities” photo exhibition is open to the public on the underground floor of the Parkson Mall from October 2 to 8.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 5, 2026)