Boosting collective action for improved water quality management
01.08.2024
- 31.07.2028
Using a water stewardship approach, the programme aims to improve the quality and management of water as a shared resource, while ensuring sustainable business development in the Greater Mekong Region. In this 2nd phase, Switzerland will continue to support the World Wide Fund for Nature’s engagement with small and medium enterprises as well as other stakeholders, to reduce water pollution and improve water governance at river basin level.
Sustainable Consumption and Production in Lao PDR
01.01.2024
- 31.12.2027
While Lao PDR transitions to a more urban economy, it struggles with insufficient waste management. Switzerland and the European Union (EU) in support of the government are joining hands to promote sustainable consumption and production practices in urban areas by strengthening the capacities, outreach and impact of waste-related CSOs.
Vocational Training and Employment Support Services (VTESS)
01.12.2023
- 30.11.2027
The exit phase of VTESS will further promote an inclusive vocational skills development (VSD) system in Lao PDR. Within the current context of economic crisis, early school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds will thereby benefit from improved and labour market relevant training, employment support services and a sustainable funding model for VSD.
Agroecology Promotion Programme APP
01.02.2023
- 30.04.2028
Switzerland has been one of the front-runners positioning agroecology globally to support food systems transformation, notably following the aftermath of the UN Food Systems Summit in September 2021. This Agroecology Promotion Programme strengthens this momentum, by supporting the capacitation of, dissemination and implementation by leveraging actors to further embed agroecology within the civil society, policies and markets, globally, in Sub-Sahara Africa and South-East Asia.
STAF - Skills for Tourism and Agriculture and Forestry
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2027
Switzerland, Luxembourg and the European Union are joining hands to reform the TVET sector together with the Government of Laos to increase the employability and income of the Lao people. Switzerland’s long-term experience in poverty reduction, vocational training and private sector engagement will support youth to access improved vocational skills development and reach employment through stronger employment service delivery.
JPOs4UN Programme 2023-2028
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2028
The JPOs4UN programme aims at increasing the presence of Switzerland in the UN by augmenting the number of Swiss nationals working in SDC priority UN organizations. Switzerland directly funds partner humanitarian UN organizations to hire 11 Swiss young professionals on a three-year Junior Programme Officer contract; the Swiss foundation CINFO provides administrative support and career counselling. Swiss nationals add to a qualified and diverse UN workforce to implement the Agenda 2030.
Flood Resilience in the Lower Mekong
01.01.2023
- 31.07.2027
Lao PDR is vulnerable to hydro-meteorological events, exacerbated by climate change and unplanned urbanization. In partnership with the Lao government, Switzerland is committed to strengthening early warning systems, preparedness and response capacities of authorities and vulnerable communities by leveraging low-cost technologies and successful experience of the Cambodian 1294 Early Warning System.
Mekong Region Land Governance (MRLG)
01.01.2023
- 31.12.2025
Switzerland with its longstanding engagement and experience in land and natural resource management will support a last phase of the “Mekong Region Land Governance” project. This Swiss flagship project will continue to support Alliances of Reform-Actors, including policy-makers and civil society, to improve policy-making environment and implementation toward improved land tenure security for vulnerable family farmers in the Mekong region, particularly in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Citizen Engagement for Good Governance, Accountability & the Rule of Law – CEGGA II
01.11.2022
- 31.10.2025
This last phase of the “Citizen Engagement for Good Governance, Accountability & the Rule of Law” project will provide more opportunities for local communities and civil society organizations to engage in the country’s socio-economic development, and to collaborate with the legislature in bringing citizen’s voice and concerns to the local and national executive authorities. Switzerland longstanding experiences in the country are key advantages to work on the rule of law and good governance issues.
Sustainable Land Management and Investments for Climate-Resilient Livelihoods (SLMIC)
15.07.2022
- 31.07.2027
Unsustainable land investments management, combined with climate change have impacted the livelihoods of the rural population in Laos. Switzerland will continue supporting the Lao Government and land users to further improve land management through enhanced knowledge, capacities, and processes that promote quality investments and sustainable land management for the benefit of the most vulnerable people.
LURAS - Lao Upland Rural Advisory Services
01.12.2021
- 30.11.2025
Laos is an agriculture-based country in transition. Farmers in the Northern region require additional knowledge, skills and access to resources to organize themselves within the ongoing agricultural socio-economic changes. Switzerland’s expertise in inclusive economic development, climate change and environment will support rural advisory services during this final phase to sustainably stimulate climate resilient and lasting improvements in agricultural production and income generation for these farmers.
PROMISE - Poverty Reduction Through Safe Migration, Skills Development and Enhanced Job Placement in Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar and Thailand
01.09.2021
- 31.08.2025
Labour migration is a key poverty reduction and economic development strategy for jobless people in the Mekong region. The last phase of this regional programme will focus on the sustainability and upscaling of support to migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to access skills development and decent employment in Thailand and when returning home. Switzerland addresses their needs with a regional approach together with the International Organisation for Migration, governments and the private sector by strengthening regional and national policies and systems.
