Why Does the Secret War Matter Today? | Sera Koulabdara, Legacies of War

Sera serves as Executive Director of Legacies of War, the only U.S.-based educational and advocacy organization working to address the impact of conflict in Laos during the Vietnam War-era, including removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

 

Sera also has a passion for the world’s economy, and first launched her career in Lommel, Belgium as an International Business Consultant. Sera specialized in helping emerging markets and completed projects in over 10 countries including Kuwait, Ghana and South Africa. While in Botswana, Sera discovered her passion for helping others while volunteering with the Clinton Foundation.

 

Legacies of War is the only U.S.-based educational and advocacy organization working to address the impact of conflict in Laos during the Vietnam War-era, including removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

 

Legacies of War raises awareness about the history of the Vietnam War-era bombing of Laos, provides space for healing the wounds of war, and creates greater hope for a future of peace. Legacies of War works directly with key decision-makers in the U.S. government – including Congress and the Administration – and with the private sector and media outlets to provide these influential groups with compelling information and analysis.

 

Legacies of War serves as a convener and organizer of partner organizations and individuals seeking to resolve the UXO problem in Laos. Legacies of War's work has led to exponential increase of U.S. funding for UXO clearance and victim assistance in Laos, from $3M in 2008 to $40M today. In bringing greater attention and increasing resources, Legacies of War helped to make a real impact on the ground in Laos: more land being cleared, lives being saved and additional care and services available for the approximately 25,000 UXO victims living in Laos.