SWGs secretariat first quarterly meeting
Quarterly Meeting of SWGs Secretariat Supports Preparation for 2025 HL-RTM
29th April 2025, at Keooudom District, Vientiane Province
The first quarterly meeting of the Sector Working Group (SWG) Secretariat was held on April 29, 2025, in Keo Oudom District, Vientiane Province, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Sisomboun Ounavong, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning and Investment.
The meeting aimed to enhance partnerships and coordination mechanisms between the Round Table Process (RTP) Secretariat and the Sector Working Group Secretariat. Approximately 36 participants from all 10 SWG secretariats and relevant stakeholders presented the progress of implementing their 2025 annual work plans.
Mrs. Sisomboun Ounavong emphasized the importance of Sector Working Groups in contributing to the Round Table Process, stating: “SWGs are key coordination platforms for thematic areas of development in Lao PDR. Information from SWGs will support the implementation of the annual Round Table Implementation Meeting and the assessment of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.”
During the meeting, Mr. Sysomphorn Phetdaoheuang, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, presented the progress of preparations for the 2025 High-Level Round Table Meeting, which serves as an inclusive forum for discussing and exchanging views on the implementation progress of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan between the Government and development partners.
Additionally, Mr. Santi Songnavong, Director of International Organization Division at the Department of International Cooperation, presented on the Sector Working Group Annual Work Plan, followed by extensive discussions on the preparation of annual work plans for each sector.
Expected outcomes from this meeting include reports on progress achieved in each SWG, annual work plans, quarterly reports, enhanced secretariat capacity, and improved coordination mechanisms. These outcomes will support the efficient and effective preparation of the High-Level Round Table Meeting/Round Table Implementation Meeting (HL-RTM/RTIM).
The Sector Working Groups comprise 10 sectors covering diverse development areas including health, education, governance, infrastructure, macroeconomics, trade and the private sector, mine action, illicit drug control, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management, and the environment.
Quarterly meetings of the SWG Secretariat will continue to be held regularly to ensure effective coordination and continuous exchange of information between all relevant stakeholders.
About Sector Working Groups (SWGs)
Sector Working Groups provide the key coordination platforms for thematic areas of development in Lao PDR. The SWGs aim to build consensus on development priorities and make development cooperation more effective. The SWGs are led by the Government and include diverse development stakeholders.
About the Round Table Process
The Round Table Process includes High-Level Round Table Meetings (held every five years) and annual Round Table Implementation Meetings (RTIMs). These meetings provide forums for discussion on the implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan between the Government and development partners, to promote sustainable development in Lao PDR.
For more information:
Mr. Santi Songnavong,
Director of IOD
Tel: (+856 20) 2222 3989