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Program

Helping Government Address Citizen Priorities 

To make public decisions more responsive to citizens’ needs, we help Lao PDR’s assemblies use evidence and outreach to strengthen laws and services.

MOU signing ceremony for Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking and Legislative Oversight program

Collecting the right data and using it effectively in policymaking is central to improving governance and delivering better services for the people of Lao PDR.

The Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking and Legislative Oversight program promotes evidence-based policymaking, parliamentary oversight, and citizen representation to improve legislative quality and governance systems. With support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program works with the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies to strengthen research systems, legislative review, and public accountability.

Impact

Strengthened legislative oversight and policy review

 More than 1,500 legislators and parliamentary staff received training to improve oversight, legislative review, and evidence-based policymaking processes.

Expanded citizen participation in legislative processes

Nineteen outreach missions across 11 provinces engaged thousands of citizens, including people from marginalized groups, to strengthen representation in policymaking.

Increased use of research in legislative decision-making

The program supported the development of dozens research and policy products, helping strengthen evidence generation within the National Assembly system.

Advanced women’s political leadership

Twenty-two women parliamentarians received support and training through regional leadership initiatives.

Attendees at MOU signing ceremony for Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking and Legislative Oversight program.

APPROACH

The program’s distinctive approach links evidence generation directly to legislative decision-making. By strengthening parliamentary research systems, post-legislative scrutiny tools, and citizen outreach mechanisms, the program supports laws, resolutions, and national development plans that better reflect citizen needs while adapting to evolving political priorities and leadership transitions.

The current phase focuses on strengthening the role of the Economics and Planning Committee of the National Assembly in overseeing and supporting the implementation of Lao PDR’s National Socio-Economic Development Plan.