Strengthening inclusive public financial management through GEDSI and gender-responsive budgeting

The Lao Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Local development programme, conducted a successful two-day workshop in Champasack Province on 23 June 2026 to strengthen the capacity of the Provincial Finance Departments on mainstreaming gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and gender-responsive budgeting.

The workshop brought together nearly 60 participants from six provinces (Champasack, Attapeu, Sekong, Saravane, Savannakhet and Khammouane), as well as representatives from the national level, to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in integrating GEDSI principles into planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting. The workshop was officially opened by Ms Phetsamone SONE, who emphasised the importance of inclusive public financial management and women's leadership in achieving sustainable development.

The sessions, comprising interactive presentations, practical exercises and group discussions, were facilitated by Dr Inleusa BASENGKHAM, Gender Adviser to the Local development programme. Participants exchanged experiences and explored practical approaches to ensuring that planning and budgeting processes respond to the diverse needs of women, men, persons with disabilities, ethnic groups and other vulnerable populations.

The workshop achieved encouraging results, with participants demonstrating a 44% improvement in knowledge between the pre- and post-training assessments. Participants also expressed a high level of satisfaction, with an overall workshop rating of 4.62 out of 5, highlighting the relevance and practical value of the training.

This workshop reflects the constructive partnership between the Ministry of Finance and the Local development programme in promoting more inclusive and gender-responsive public financial management. By strengthening institutional capacity to integrate GEDSI into planning and budgeting processes, the initiative contributes to the implementation of the current National Socio-Economic Development Plan and supports the government of Lao PDR's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Local development programme aims to promote sustainable, inclusive and resilient development outcomes across targeted sectors. It is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland and jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.