Building Stronger Communities Together!

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are making a real difference in communities across Laos. To enhance their efforts, Lao government partners, CSOs, local authorities, and development partners gathered in Luang Prabang last week for their annual meeting to review progress and plan for the future.  

The meeting reflected on achievements and lessons learned, with a strong focus on the vital role CSOs play in empowering and supporting rural communities. It was agreed that CSOs should collaborate even more closely with government organisations, particularly the Provincial People's Assembly, which is the government’s direct link to citizens. This partnership aims to create a greater, lasting impact on local lives.  

Bounsom Khounmany, a member of Provincial Party Standing Committee and President of the Provincial Lao Front for National Development in Luang Prabang, shared, "CSOs play a crucial role in supporting many of the government’s efforts, and their impact continues to grow. Their work is also attracting more attention from international development organisations."  

Looking ahead, all parties are committed to working together across different sectors to create even more meaningful change. The event is supported by the CEGGA II Programme, which focuses on contributing to national development in Laos while ensuring that no one is left behind.  CEGGA II is funded by Team Europe partners Switzerland, Germany, and the European Union and is implemented by GIZ. ✨