Lao PDR currently has 8 Sector Working Groups that bring together representatives from government and donor agencies, and NGOs. The SWGs are forums to discuss and build consensus about development priorities, and improve sectoral aid coordination and effectiveness as set out in the Vientiane Declaration Country Action Plan. Under the common framework of the Round Table Process, these groups commit to Lao PDR's development efforts in the areas of their expertise under the leadership of the Government of Lao PDR.
These groups were formed in June 2005 when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced at the Round Table Information Meeting the Government's wish to merge the existing donor and government working groups. The Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the overall coordinating agency of the SWG mechanism. The current groups are:
Sector Working Group |
Chairing Ministry and Co-Chairing Development Partner(s) |
Health |
- Ministry of Heath
- Japan
- WHO
|
Education |
- Ministry of Education
- Australia/ AusAID
- UNICEF
|
Infrastructure |
- Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction
- Japan
- ADB
|
Agriculture, Rural Development and Natural Resource Management |
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
- France / AFD
- Sweden / Sida
- ADB
|
Governance |
- Prime Minister's Office (PACSA)
- Sweden / Sida
- UNDP
|
Macroeconomic Issues and Private Sector Development |
- Committee for Planning and Investment
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund
|
Drug Prevention (Mini-Dublin) |
- Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision
- Australia / AusAID
- Japan
|
Mine Action |
- National Regulatory Authority
- UNDP
|
In addition to these eight SWGs, there are a number of other working groups such as the group for Public Expenditure Management Strengthening Programme (PEMSP) and Avian Influenza.
In March 2007 a review of the SWGs was conducted by UNDP upon the request by DIC, MOFA. The review provides a number of recommendations to improve the SWG mechanism to better respond to the needs of Government and the development community.
The review, and subsequent consultation meeting held 11 May 2007, has sparked discussion on the number of groups; however, there is general consensus that they should be demand driven and government led. Over the coming months, the DIC will continue its consultation with Line Ministries and Development Partners to facilitate implementation of the review's recommendations.
|
RTM Latest News and Events