Joint Donor Visit to Khammouane: Building a Brighter Future Together!
Representatives from the Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development (SDC), the European Union (EU) Delegation to Lao PDR, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev), and the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), together with government officials recently embarked on a joint visit to Khammouane province, to witness first-hand the impact of Team Europe’s development projects on the ground. The three-day itinerary focused on the Local Development Programme (LDP) implemented by LuxDev and the Citizen Engagement for Good Governance, Accountability and the Rule of Law (CEGGA) programme implemented by GIZ.
In Nammala village, Mahaxay district, a target village under the LDP, the delegation had the privilege to meet with the Village Development Committee (VDC). From improved infrastructure to strengthened livelihoods, the VDC members openly shared their priorities for community development. This insightful exchange allowed participants to understand the community's pressing needs and aspirations for the future and allowed implementing partners to reflect on ways to enhance effective and efficient implementation.
For the CEGGA programme, the delegation met with local CSOs to exchange on their experience in contributing to inclusive community development and stimulating citizen engagement. In a meeting with female parliamentarians from the Provincial People’s Assembly (PPA), the PPA members explained the benefit of trainings they have received to better interact with their constituents. The Delegation was impressed by law students who explained how, thanks to the support from CEGGA, they had gained expertise and confidence in providing legal advice to vulnerable groups.
Collaboration is key! The joint visit highlighted the importance and potential of close collaboration between international partners, government partners, local authorities, and communities in driving inclusive sustainable development. By joining forces, we can make programmes better tailored to the needs of the most vulnerable and provide lasting solutions for a brighter future.
The Local Development Programme is funded by the Governments of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Lao PDR, and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
The CEGGA Programme is financed by the Governments of Switzerland, Germany and the European Union and implemented by GIZ, the German Development Cooperation Agency.
