The ten Sector Working Groups (SWGs) are the key coordination platforms for each thematic area of development in Lao PDR’s Round Table Process. They are led by the Government and include development partners, civil society organisations and representatives from the private sector.
The groups serve as discussion forums, aim to build consensus on development priorities, and make development cooperation more effective, as set out in the Vientiane Declaration of 2015. A relevant Ministry chairs each group while development partners, based on their expertise, serve as co-chairs. The Department for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Planning and Investment acts as an overall coordinating agency. The Department also manages the meetings of SWG Chairs and Co-Chairs.
Chair – Ministry of Health
Co-Chairs –Japan & World Health Organisation
Chair – Ministry of Education and Sports
Co-Chairs – Australia & European Union
Chairs – Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Justice
Co-Chairs – United Nations Development Programme & Switzerland
Chair – Ministry of Planning and Investment
Co-Chairs – Asian Development Bank & World Bank
Chair – Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Co-Chairs – Germany & European Union
Chair – Ministry of Public Works and Transport
Co-Chairs – Japan, Asian Development Bank & World Bank
Chairs – Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, National Regulatory Authority for the UXO & Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR
Co-Chairs – United Nations Development Programme & United States of America
Chair – Ministry of Public Security
Co-Chairs – Japan, Australia & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Chair – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Co-Chairs – France & Food and Agriculture Organisation
Chair – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Co-Chairs – Germany & World Bank