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2024
- 20 May
- By Anais LOGIER
- LAO/336
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - Cross-border collaboration to strengthen non-formal vocational skills development
The Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE) under the Ministry of Education and Sports in Lao PDR recognises the crucial role of non-formal vocational skills development in empowering rural communities, especially in the agriculture and forestry sectors. To learn from best practices and inform its own strategies, the DNFE, with support from the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme, organised a study tour to neighbouring Vietnam, a country with significant experience in this area.

The trip - which took place in April 2024 - focused on the northern part of Vietnam, specifically Hanoi City, Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa Provinces. The objectives were threefold:
- to better understand the Vietnamese non-formal vocational skills development strategy;
- to explore the technical resources required for non-formal vocational skills development in agriculture and forestry, the curriculum development process, the effective delivery models and teacher training;
- and to forge partnerships with technical stakeholders in Vietnam in non-formal vocational skills development.
The Lao delegation was headed by Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Deputy Director General, DNFE. The 17 participants (including six women) included DNFE technical staff, a representative from the Department of Bilateral Cooperation under Ministry of Education and Sports, managers and technical staff from non-formal education centres in five provinces and Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme technical advisers.

On the first day, the participants met the Department of Continuing Education under the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Basic Vocational Training under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to learn about Vietnam’s strategies and good practices in promoting non-formal vocational skills development to support socio-economic development.

In the following days, the participants visited two non-formal education centres and observed different training models in Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa Provinces to learn how the strategies are applied at local level, including a community-based weaving and embroidery training model using local artisans as certified trainers, a fish raising training and coaching model in cooperation with the District Agriculture Extension Centre, a mulberry cultivation and silkworm raising model using both model farmers and agriculture extension staff, and a bamboo weaving training and production model by a private company.

On the final day of the study tour, the participants held a debriefing session, during which they reported insights learnt and identified areas with potential for replication in Lao PDR. Several key takeaways emerged from this session. Action points were established to address these findings, offering valuable insights into enhancing non-formal vocational skills development services in Lao PDR.

Among these insights was the importance of collaborative resource utilisation, specifically regarding teachers. In Vietnam, non-formal education centres leverage partnerships with teachers from general education institutions for literacy training programmes, with technical and vocational education and training institutions, agriculture departments and the private sector to provide vocational training in the agriculture and forestry sectors. This collaborative approach not only optimises resource and teacher allocation but also enriches the quality of non-formal vocational skills development programmes.

Another commendable practice observed was the establishment of a system that certifies model farmers and local artisans to become trainers for basic vocational training courses, an excellent initiative that expands the pool of potential trainers. Such an approach becomes particularly crucial in the context of increasingly specialised agriculture and forestry production, where distinct stages of the production process are handled by separate entities or firms (vertical specialisation). Consequently, training institutions must adapt to meet these specialised training needs effectively.

Moreover, the dual learning model observed in Vietnam for non-formal education — a framework wherein students participate in both general education (in the morning) and vocational training (in the afternoon) — presented a compelling strategy for maximising skill acquisition.

Another discussion point was the student recruitment strategy. In Vietnam, recruitment of learners for basic vocational training is based on learners’ resources and potential outcomes, rather than simply on students’ needs and wishes. By focusing on these resources and outcomes, notably job prospects and income potential, non-formal vocational skills development initiatives can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of communities.

Finally, incentivising excellence through competitions among non-formal education centres can elevate the overall quality of vocational training programmes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The study tour exemplifies the importance of cross-border cooperation, serving as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and mutual learning, essential for advancing development initiatives. By learning from Vietnam's experience, Lao PDR’s DNFE is now motivated and aspires to prepare for upcoming non-formal education strategy development as well as cooperating with the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme to implement selected action points such as training of trainers on pedagogy skills for basic vocational training, curriculum development for bamboo handicraft production, weaving and embroidery non-formal courses and providing basic vocational training for students of non-formal education centres.

The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 13 May
- By Paulina BASCHTON
- LAO/037
- Governance
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LAOS - Inter-University Cooperation Project Luxembourg - LaosIntegration into ROLAG programme and first activities
On 11th January 2024 LuxDev signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Luxembourg integrating the Inter-University Cooperation Project, which has been implemented in Laos by the University of Luxembourg, a Liaison officer and in collaboration with the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA) since 2017, into the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) programme.

In March of 2024 the first activity of the Inter-University Cooperation project under the ROLAG programme was carried out. A team of students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Vientiane was coached and supported in participating at the 22nd International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court Competition in Hong Kong.

The competition, organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), took place from 6 to 9 March 2024, and serves as a platform for young legal minds across the region to engage with pressing humanitarian issues and advocate for the protection of human dignity in times of conflict. This year, the competition hosted 22 teams of law students from different universities across the Asia-Pacific Region.

Every year, the Inter-University Cooperation Project organises the National round (1st stage) of the IHL Moot Court in Laos and supports the winning team to participate at the international round of the competition in Hong Kong. In preparation of the competition, Dr Perrine Simon, and Paulina Baschton (Project Liaison Officer) coached the Lao team intensively until the last day of the competition. The team worked extremely hard and put a lot of effort into this highly competitive moot court.

Although the team from the National University of Laos did not advance to the quarterfinals, the team garnered positive feedback from judges, showcasing their oral pleading skills. Moreover, the team received a good scoring in the written memorials with an average of good-good+. It is also notable that the Lao team met the team from the Philippines (the team that later won the overall competition) in the very first round and did a very good job pleading against such a strong team.

This moot court, organised by the ICRC, is a great way to stimulate legal thinking, by learning how to develop legal arguments appropriately. Students have also improved their critical thinking and problem-solving, analytical, presentation and debating skills - and further developed their English language skills!

This year’s moot problem presented a complex scenario revolving around a conflict between traditional religious values and economic development. It involved allegations against a religious leader for crimes against humanity and war crimes, including the purchase and use of drones and cluster munitions, resulting in civilian harm, as well as the recruitment of minors for hostilities. The problem addressed contemporary issues, such as the use of drones and cluster munitions in warfare.

After four days of competition, the University of San Agustin (team from the Philippines) won the competition. The first runner-up was awarded to the Thammasat University. Ms. Samantha Grajo from the University of San Agustin was awarded as the Best Mooter of the Final Round. Tribhuvan University received the award for the best prosecution memorial, while the University of Adelaide was honoured with the best defence memorial. For more details on the 22nd IHL Moot Court competition results and announcements, follow the official link.

During the days of the event, students also had the opportunity to attend the Keynote Seminar on “Urban Warfare and the Relevance of IHL in Preventing and Reducing Civilian Harm”. The panel discussion of this Keynote Seminar was led by Ms Marwa Shabbar (Head of Legal Department, Regional Delegation for East Asia, the ICRC) and Dr James Fry (Associate Professor of Faculty of Law, the University of Hong Kong). At the end of the session, participants had a chance to raise their question and discuss with the panellists.

We are very proud of the achievements of the Lao team of 2024!

The Inter-University Cooperation Project between the National University of Laos, Faculty of Law and Political Science, and the University of Luxembourg is funded by the Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, and since January 2024, has been integrated into the ROLAG programme, which is jointly implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, ILSTA and the University of Luxembourg.
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- 2 April
- By Anaïs LOGIER
- LAO/336 LAO/338
- Education, vocationnal training and employment Socio-economic development
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LAOS - Beekeeping study tour in Xiengkhouang Province A continued journey to empower beekeepers from Bokeo
A recent study tour organised by the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme, together with the Local Development Programme, to Xiengkhouang Province opened up opportunities for enhancing beekeeping practices in partner villages in Bokeo Province. Study tour participants, including beekeepers, trainers from two beekeeping training centres, representatives of Provincial and District Agriculture and Forestry Offices, and representatives of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Department of Non-Formal Education, embarked on an enriching journey to promote knowledge exchange and skills development.

From 2017 to 2019, there was a notable surge in honey production and sales in Bokeo Province. To bolster this thriving livelihood activity, the Local Development Programme in its previous phase, supported skills development and equipment for existing and new beekeepers in the province, thereby enhancing their beekeeping practices[1]. The STAF Programme is now working with the Local Development Programme to ensure that local beekeepers have access to the necessary resources and expertise to help overcome market fluctuations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and forge a resilient path forward for local honey production.

Traveling via Vientiane Capital, participants from Bokeo Province flew to Xiengkhouang Province. This was particularly exciting for some beekeepers who had never left their province or been on a plane before. Upon arrival in Phonsavan, the group had a brief opportunity to delve into the cultural heritage of the province by visiting the renowned UNESCO world heritage Plain of Jars a spectacular and mysterious site with some 460 jars of unknown origin, carved in stone, which probably served as funerary urns thousands of years ago.

The following two days were dedicated to experience sharing and valuable learning opportunities on beekeeping practices. Participants visited beekeepers in Phosy Village, Phek District, where they learned about new techniques applied by local beekeepers, observed the use of different materials and equipment and engaged in insightful discussions about honey production and the challenges it faces, including climate change. Villagers from Phosy Village also showcased beekeeping-derived products such as candles, soaps and lipsticks, and organised a small tasting of local honey. All participants then enjoyed a delicious traditional lunch prepared by the villagers before heading to Phon Village, where further honey-making practices were explored, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved.

The following morning, the group visited a beekeeping processing centre in Peak District, providing them with a great opportunity to gain deeper insights into honey processing and marketing practices.

A highlight of the trip was the visit to Phonxay Village, where beekeepers demonstrated their use of horizontal log hives and highlighted their benefits. This interactive session facilitated, once again, constructive discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants from Bokeo and from Xiengkhouang.

The study tour provided an ideal platform for listening sessions, interactive demonstrations, and in-depth discussions on various facets of beekeeping, including processing techniques, necessary equipment and effective marketing strategies. One of the key takeaways was the emphasis on both technical skills and the recognition of the social and economic development potential of beekeeping initiatives at the village, district, and provincial levels.

Participant feedback underlines the study tour’s resounding success, with many eager to apply newly learned techniques and strategies in their own communities.

Mr. Somdy Sayyatour, from Phienghut Village, Pha Odom District, Bokeo Province, lauded the study tour for its exposure to innovative practices and expressed eagerness to share his learnings with fellow farmers. “I’m so pleased I got the chance to be a part of this trip” he explained. “In my village, we’ve been practicing beekeeping for a short time and we use local traditional methods. Thanks to this tour, I’ve learnt new ones such as the use of wax to catch bees in the hives. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I gained with the other beekeepers in my village.” This trip was a great opportunity for Mr. Somdy to improve his beekeeping skills, while exploring another region of Lao PDR. He concluded, “it was nice to meet new people from other provinces and share local experiences. Overall, I had a lot of fun”.

Ms. Phetsamone Manivong also shared her satisfaction regarding the study tour, which marked her first field trip in her new position as technical staff of the Livestock Section at the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office, Bokeo. She was very impressed with the local knowledge and skills demonstrated by the beekeepers in Xiengkhouang. “I can clearly see a difference between farmers in both provinces. Here, they are much more creative and advanced in terms of techniques. In Bokeo, we have much less means and resources”. Ms. Phetsamone commended the initiative for its tangible impact and pledged continued support for implementing new techniques in Bokeo Province.

One week after the beekeeping study tour, the STAF and Local Development Programmes supported the Bokeo Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office to organise a workshop to review lessons learned and develop training plans for beekeepers for the upcoming year. These plans address both technical and marketing skills needs of Bokeo beekeepers. It is expected that these efforts will help revive honey production business in Bokeo Province post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

The Local Development Programme is co-financed by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 5 February
- By Nicolas TASCH
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VIETNAM - Working visit of Manuel TONNAR
On 2 February 2024, the Director General of LuxDev, Mr Manuel TONNAR, concluded a productive working visit to Vietnam, where he engaged in discussions with key representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The visit aimed to reflect on Luxembourg’s contributions to Vietnam’s development and explore avenues for future collaborations and business opportunities between the two countries. The discussions centered around moving beyond the traditional donor-beneficiary relationship and focusing on areas such as the climate change adaptation and green finance and exploring ways to strengthen their cooperation in line with the strategic partnership agreement on Green Finance and fostering a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial collaboration.

During the visit, specific ongoing and future interventions were highlighted, including:
- Finance for resilience project: an initiative to promote climate-smart agriculture and financial inclusion in Thua Thien Hue province, with a particular focus on enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers, especially women;
- Climate adaptation resilience (CARe) project: a support for Thua Thien Hue province in becoming a model province for climate change adaptation planning, investing, and monitoring in Vietnam.
In addition to the bilateral meetings, the mission also connected with valuable partners, including:
- Team Europe: discussing with European partners to amplify the impact of collective efforts towards sustainable development;
- Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI): exploring joint initiatives and potential synergies with GGGI to advance green growth initiatives in Vietnam.
Furthermore, Mr. TONNAR met with representatives from Agribank, marking the first collaboration between LuxDev and a commercial bank in Vietnam for the implementation of a development project. Agribank will serve as both the initial beneficiary, receiving technical assistance, and subsequently as the service provider, offering financial services to the ultimate beneficiaries of the project.

This visit underscores LuxDev’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s sustainable development journey. By working closely with key stakeholders, LuxDev aims to contribute to a greener and more resilient future for all.

"Finance for resilience" and "Climate adaptation resilience" projects are financed respectively by Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and by Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Green Climate Fund (United Nations), and are implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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2023
- 20 December
- By Anaïs LOGIER
- LAO/336 LAO/338
- Education, vocationnal training and employment Socio-economic development
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LAOS - Cooperating for the provision of Non-Formal Vocational Skills Development in Agriculture and Forestry
On 13 and 14 December 2023, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) Department of Non-Formal Education (DNFE), together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Department of Agricultural Extension and Cooperatives (DAEC), supported by Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme (LAO/336), held a workshop to identify opportunities for inter-departmental cooperation for the provision of non-formal and informal agriculture and forestry vocational skills development (VSD).

The workshop was chaired by Mr Nouphanh Outsa, Director-General, MoES Department of Technical and Vocational Education, and co-chaired by Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Deputy Director-General, MoES DNFE and Dr Phanxay Ingxay, Deputy Director-General, MAF DAEC. Workshop participants included representatives of provincial non-formal education centres, as well as provincial agriculture and forestry offices.

The workshop had two objectives:
- to introduce the agriculture and forestry components of the STAF Programme to public non-formal and informal VSD providers in Lao PDR;
- and to establish a foundation for cooperation in non-formal and informal VSD delivery.
Following presentations of the STAF Programme (and the Local Development Programme (LAO/338) with which the STAF Programme collaborates), a discussion panel comprising Mr Nouphanh Outsa, Mr Sengaloun Boutsady, Dr Phanxay Ingxay, and Mr Phetsamon Thanasack, Deputy Director-General, MAF Department of Organisation and Personnel, delved into the specific roles, responsibilities, and challenges encountered by different departments and ministries in delivering non-formal and informal VSD in agriculture and forestry. The afternoon session saw participants divided into three groups to discuss their 2024 activity plans for non-formal and informal agriculture and forestry VSD.

On the second day, participants were grouped by provinces (Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Khammouane and Bolikhamxay) to discuss and encourage potential synergies among stakeholders within each province to execute activity plans.

During the workshop, a noticeable convergence emerged in the 2024 workplans of the DNFE and DAEC (and their provincial representatives) further underlining the importance of coordination mechanisms and ongoing dialogue to prevent duplication of effort and optimisation of benefits for people in rural communities. With a shared commitment to coordination and dialogue, the MoES and the MAF are confident that joint efforts will be undertaken, maximising the impact of non-formal and informal VSD in the agriculture and forestry sectors in Lao PDR.

The LAO/336 - Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme is co-financed by Laos, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 24 October
- By Jeanne RENAULD
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Interministerial Vietnamese delegation visits Luxembourg
This Friday 20 October 2023, LuxDev had the pleasure of welcoming an interministerial delegation from Vietnam, who were visiting Luxembourg as part of a study tour on green bond market, and more specifically the Vietnam Green Bonds Readiness project financed by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development and implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

The key objective of this visit organised by GGGI Luxembourg was to upscale the technical capacity of the Government of Vietnam in promoting and implementing sustainable finance initiatives. This proposed mission aimed tp facilitate the sharing of best practices from Luxembourg’s sustainable finance market players to Vietnam’s policymakers via onsite consulting and networking.

The delegation was made up of policy-makers from various departments and ministries involved in the process of developing sustainable financing strategies for Vietnam (Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Justice, State Treasury and The Office of Government).

This meeting took place at a time when LuxDev is engaging more on more in the sustainable and impact finance field through several initiatives. It was not only an opportunity to share what the Agency is planning to do in Vietnam in the coming months, but also to facilitate a space for knowledge sharing and exchange.

Gain a better understanding of the microfinance ecosystem

Over the course of a morning, the delegation familiarised itself with the Luxembourg microfinance ecosystem, through presentations by several players in the market, punctuated by discussions and question-and-answer sessions.

After a welcome from Max GLESENER, Programmes Director of LuxDev, and introductory remarks from Julie GODIN, Manager - European Partnerships for GGGI, and Pham THI THANH TAM, Head of Vietnam Delegation and Deputy Director General of the Department of Banking and Financial Institutions at the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, Irene PANCHERI, Project Manager for InFiNe, gave an overview of the inclusive finance ecosystem in Luxembourg and explained the role of a network such as InFiNe.

Ilya SVERDLOV, Director Global Partnership and Donor Relations at the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), and Zuzana CHOVANCIK BLAHUT, Events Manager at AFI, then presented the roadmap for green inclusive finance and the role of regulators and policy-makers.

Nitin MADAN, Director Responsible Inclusive Finance Facility for South-East Asia at the Social Performance Task Force (SPTF), explained how responsible inclusive finance can support the financial sector in ensuring client protection.

Finally, Axel DE VILLE, Director Strategy and Innovation at the NGO ADA - Appui au développement autonome, and Francesca RANDAZZO, expert in sustainable and innovative finance at LuxDev, illustrated how to link climate and green growth objectives, respectively through the Inclusive Climate Finance for Communities in the Asia Pacific programme and the Finance for Resilience in Vietnam project.

Focus on a new project in Vietnam

Building on the experience gained through project VIE/433 - Climate adaptation and resilience in Thua Thien Hue Province, the Finance for Resilience in Vietnam project, currently being formulated, aims to improve the climate and economic resilience of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly women, by :
- better connecting farmers, cooperatives and SMEs in selected value chains in Thua Thien Hue to markets;
- providing better access to financial and non-financial services.
With a budget of MEUR 2 for a period of 24 months, this project should start in the first quarter of 2024.
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- 10 October
- By Nicolas TASCH
- https://luxdev.lu/en/news/rof/lux LAO/338
- Socio-economic development
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LAOS - Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland to launch new phase of Local Development Programme
Representing the Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation respectively convened the Programme Steering Committee Meeting to officially close the “Local Development Programme for Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane and Vientiane province” (LAO/030) and launch a new phase.

The new LAO/338 programme is co-funded by the Governments of Lao PDR, Luxembourg and Switzerland with a generous grant of EUR 33 million, and implemented by LuxDev and the ministry of Planning and Investment. It aims to foster inclusive development in 226 target villages across 17 districts from 2023 to 2027.

From left to right: Thomas LAMMAR, Chargé d'Affaires, Luxembourg Embassy; Phonevanh OUTHAVONG, Vice Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment; Jean-Gabriel DUSS, Regional Director of Cooperation, SDC

The Programme Steering Committee Meeting was chaired by the Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs. Phonevanh OUTHAVONG, and co-chaired by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy to Lao PDR, Mr. Thomas LAMMAR, and SDC Regional Director of Cooperation, Mr. Jean-Gabriel DUSS. More than 70 representatives from central, provincial and district government officials, as well as development partner organisations also participated in the meeting.

The Programme Steering Committee Meeting reviewed the successful predecessor of LAO/338, LAO/030, which was implemented between 2016 and 2022 with a total funding of EUR 32.4 million and benefiting approximatively 150.000 people. The final evaluation concluded that, despite challenges encountered during the implementation period, particularly the spread of COVID-19, the project has been very successful. Key achievements included 3.588 community projects implemented through village development funds, the establishment of 46 community-owned credit schemes that enabled job creation and increased production capacity, construction and renovation of 396 schools, water supply systems and other local infrastructure, as well as training and awareness campaigns in 90 villages and capacity building for central and provincial-level government officials.

The programme focus

The new five-year programme, from 2023 to 2027, focuses on three main areas of support:
1. the creation of socio-economic opportunities for sustainable livelihood;
2. access to improved and more resilient public services; and
3. access to improved and more resilient village-level services.
Its objective is to further enhance the livelihoods of people in rural communities by strengthening their capacity to manage natural resources, enhance agricultural productivity, and develop income-generating activities. The Local Development Programme is expected to benefit over 172.000 people through village development funds and over 750.000 people through local infrastructure investments.

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- 27 September
- By Nicolas TASCH
- LAO/336
- Education, vocationnal training and employment
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LAOS - Skills programme launched to boost tourism, agriculture forestry
The Government of Lao PDR and "Team Europe" partners, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, gathered this 26 September 2023 in Vientiane Capital to launch the “Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry” (STAF) programme with a total budget of EUR 25M.

The STAF launching event coincided with the first Programme Steering committee and was chaired by H.E. Associate Professor Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, who was joined by the co-chairs, Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires, Luxembourg Embassy to Lao PDR, H.E. Ms Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassador of the European Union to Lao PDR, and Ms. Aurélie Righetti, Deputy Director of Cooperation for the Mekong Region, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Developing young people's skills and helping them find work more easily

The new five year-programme aims to improve the skills and employability of young women and men in the tourism, agriculture and forestry sectors. It will do this by providing technical and financial assistance to:
- improve the relevance and quality of training;
- increase the availability and accessibility of courses, including through the provision of scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds;
- and support learners in the transition from training to jobs or self-employment.
The STAF programme is expected to directly benefit over 20 000 young women and men, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its interventions in the tourism sector will cover the provinces of Vientiane, Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champasak, and Vientiane Capital. For agriculture and forestry, its partner provinces are Vientiane, Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Bokeo and Luang Prabang.

The STAF programme is cofinanced by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 3 August
- By LAO/037
- Asia Office LAO/037
- Governance
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LAOS - Luxembourg grants EUR 9 million to continue supporting the legal and judicial sector
Under the 5^th Indicative Cooperation Programme 2023-2027, the Government of Luxembourg is continuing its support for the Lao legal and justice sector, with a grant of EUR 9 million to carry out its support programme for "Rule of law, access to justice and good governance in Lao PDR" (LAO/037, 2023-2027).

The extension of support by Luxembourg was reported during a Project Steering Committee meeting held on 14^th July 2023, between the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Laos, LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Sports and Education and the National University of Laos, Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP).

The meeting was co-chaired by the Vice-Minister of Justice, Mr Ketsana Phommachanh, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, Mr Sam Schreiner, and Associate Professor Dr. Saykhong Saynasine, Director General of Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Sports and Education.

Participants reviewed the positive accomplishments and outcomes of the previous project “Legal teaching and training and promotion of the rule of law concept in Lao PDR” (LAO/031, 2017-2022) funded with just under EUR 9 million and officially closed the latter. It was noted that the project has been very successful, in spite of challenges encountered during the implementation period, not least due to the impact of COVID-19. Key results have been the establishment by the Ministry of Justice of 32 provincial and district legal aid offices, and the successful rating of two study programmes at the FLP by the ASEAN University Network. In addition, both practitioners and academia have received substantial training and other capacity building enabling them to perform better in their mandated functions.

Directly following the closure of LAO/031, the first annual review meeting of the Project Steering Committee on the LAO/037 was opened by its co-chairs.

Under the new project, five main support areas have been defined:
- strengthening higher education in law;
- strengthening the justice system;
- support for the penitentiary service;
- supporting access to affordable justice and legal aid;
- and strengthening the good governance and rule of law as a whole in the Lao PDR.
The programme will continue to support the current institutional partners, mainly the FLP and the Ministry of Justice, emphasising institutional capacity strengthening and legal dissemination. This will be done in alignment with the Strategy for the Justice Sector (2020-2025) and the Legal Aid Decree 77 (2018), as well as strategic frameworks for the university institutions. In addition, support will be provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Treaties and Laws, and the National Assembly.

Under the Ministry of Sports and Education, the project continues to support the FLP and the Faculty of Law and Administration of Champasak University to strengthen their capacity to deliver high qualitative legal education and research in line with national and international quality standards and responding to the reality and needs of the sector within a broader national and international context.

In terms of support to the FLP, the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu) will, through the Inter-University Project, engage in strengthened cooperation with LuxDev to ensure that support provided becomes even more efficient and coherent.

The Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance, co-implementor of LAO/031, will continue providing technical assistance to the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor, the People's Supreme Court, the State Inspection Authority, the Ministry of Public Security, the Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence and Customs Office under LAO/037.

The LAO/037 project is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
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- 5 June
- By Anna FEIEREISEN
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World Environment Day
Today is the World Environment Day. Let's take a look at Vietnam.

With its long coastline, large population in low-lying areas and fragile ecosystems, Vietnam is one of the most exposed countries to detrimental climate change effects, notably sea level rise, saline intrusion, loss of land and property, changing ecosystems and food insecurity.

In 2013, Luxembourg Cooperation started a climate collaboration with the central province of Thua Thien Hue, home to 1.13 million people and highly exposed to climate related hazards (including storms, floods, droughts in the dry season, coastal and river erosion and salinisation of soil and lagoon water). These hazards are increasing in frequency and intensity and are an ever-greater risk for the environment and for people’s lives and livelihoods.

Two climate change adaptation projects have, since then, been successfully implemented by supporting communities to build their resilience in order to better cope with the impacts of climate change and changing conditions for livelihood activities.

Collaborative climate action gave special attention to children. Thus, many targeted activities were designed to address children’s specific vulnerabilities and needs and to raise their awareness and understanding about climate change and environmental issues. Students enthusiastically participated in extracurricular environmental classes and trainings:
- in primary schools, painting competitions were organised, and thousands of grades 5-7 kids successfully completed survival swim classes, in a country where floods have become more severe and drowning is the number one cause of death for children;
- in secondary schools, many climate change contests were organised and Student Action Groups designed and implemented their own action programmes to help raise awareness and stimulate ‘green action’ in their communities.
Whereas awareness and knowledge in Vietnam may still be limited, young people have shown to be very keen to learn about climate change and the environment and get into action. Considering this is “the next generation”, that is quite encouraging.

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