The 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Sector Working Group (SWG) Secretariats for Consultation with Development Partners, 2026, Held to Prepare for the 2026 Annual Round Table Meeting

30 October 2026 – The 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Sector Working Group (SWG) Secretariats for consultation with development partners in 2026 was held for one full day on 30 October 2026 in Thalat Village Keo-Oudom District, Vientiane Province. It was chaired by Mr. Sisomphone Phetdaoheuang, Deputy Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance. The meeting concluded successfully, in line with its objectives and intended targets. It was the Secretariats’ final preparatory meeting before the 2026 Annual Round Table Meeting, which will be held shortly. The meeting was attended by Heads of Offices and Directors General, representing the Secretariats of the 10 Sector Working Groups, together with representatives from line ministries and equivalent agencies. Four Main Objectives In his opening remarks, the Chair highlighted that this meeting was an important milestone for reviewing and making comprehensive preparations, focusing on four main objectives:

1.      To monitor progress in implementing the priority work of the 10 Sector Working Groups, particularly the follow-up to the outcomes of the 2025 High-Level Round Table Meeting, the outcomes of each SWG’s meetings, and the preparation of annual reports;

2.      To review overall readiness for the 2026 Annual Round Table Meeting, in terms of both substantive content and coordination mechanisms;

3.      To consider improvements to the structure and mechanisms of the Sector Working Groups, in line with the guidance of the SWG Chairs and Co-Chairs meeting, including addressing urgent challenges; and

4.      To upgrade the information system, particularly by updating the Round Table Process website (rtp.gov.la) so that it is current and comprehensive.

Role of the Secretariats and Progress in Preparing for the Round Table Meeting. The Chair emphasized that the Secretariats of the 10 Sector Working Groups play a central role in developing priority work plans and in coordinating among line ministries, local authorities, and development partners. This coordination drives the implementation of the 5-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the strategy for a smooth transition out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The Vientiane Declaration and its Country Action Plan (VD III & VDCAP III) serve as the benchmark for cooperation with development partners. Regarding preparations for the 2026 Annual Round Table Meeting, considerable progress has been made to date. The Concept Note has been drafted, and responsibilities for organizing the discussion groups have been allocated, with the unanimous agreement of all relevant parties.  Key Guidance from the Opening Session

To guide the discussions, the Chair stressed several key points:

·         Strengthening the role and ownership of the Secretariats: The Secretariats of all 10 Sector Working Groups must take the lead in compiling data, determining priorities, and coordinating closely with development partners, so that aid resources deliver the greatest possible benefit.

·         Making mechanisms flexible and sustainable: To accommodate changes following the Lao PDR’s graduation from LDC status, the country must be prepared to mobilize new alternative sources of financing, notably private-sector investment and climate finance.

·         Reviewing priority content and reports: Each Sector Working Group must review its content to ensure it aligns with the direction of implementation of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan and with international development goals.

Outcomes of the Meeting

Through reports and discussions held in the morning and afternoon sessions, in a lively, frank, and highly responsible atmosphere, the meeting achieved the following outcomes:

1.      It noted the notable progress made in following up on the outcomes of the 2025 High-Level Round Table Meeting, the results of the sector-level meetings, and the preparation of annual reports, as well as the difficulties and urgent challenges that must be addressed jointly;

2.      It reached unanimous agreement on the direction and progress of overall preparations, to ensure that the content of the Round Table Meeting is consistent with and closely linked to national and international development goals;

3.      It thoroughly examined, and provided comments on, the conceptual diagram for improving the SWG mechanism, so that the mechanism is flexible, effective, and suited to the development context of the new period; and

4.      It noted, and provided comments on, the upgrading of the Round Table Process website (rtp.gov.la), which will serve as an important database for disseminating results and attracting cooperation from development partners.

Next Steps for Urgent Implementation

At the closing session, the Chair called for the meeting’s outcomes to be implemented urgently, as follows:

·         The Secretariats of all 10 Sector Working Groups shall revise their annual reports and summaries of priority work in line with the meeting’s comments, and submit them promptly to the Department of International Cooperation and Finance, Ministry of Finance. The reports will then be presented to the National Steering Committee and included in the documents prepared for the Round Table Meeting, within the set deadline;

·         Sector Working Groups that still have outstanding work or ongoing consultations with development partners shall expedite close coordination so that all tasks are fully completed;

·         Each sector shall provide its information, reports, and achievements to the team responsible for the rtp.gov.la website, so that the site is fully and currently updated before the date of the Round Table Meeting; and

·         The Round Table Process Secretariat shall coordinate closely with each SWG Secretariat to hold a dedicated meeting to discuss improvements to the Round Table Process mechanism.

The Chair expressed his gratitude to all participants for their dedication and thoughtful contributions to the discussions throughout the day. He also thanked all those responsible for organizing the meeting, whose support ensured its successful conclusion.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Viriya Phounsiri, Deputy Director of International Organization Division, International Finance and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Finance Tel: +856 20 5655 9655 Email: [email protected], [email protected]