(KPL)The Lao PDR and Switzerland reaffirmed their strong partnership in advancing dam safety through the successful convening of the Steering Committee (SC) meeting for the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance (DSTIA) project, held on  May 8 in Vientiane.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Bouathep Malaykham Director General of Department of Energy Industry Safety Management, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), and Mr. Björn Schranz, Head of the Climate Change & Natural Resource Management Program at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in the Mekong region.

DSTIA is a project from the Government of Switzerland, implemented by Helvetas, in partnership with the Government of the  Lao PDR through DESM/MEM, the National University of Laos, the Lao Association on Dams and EDL Gen. Swiss experts provide support for enhancing the technical and institutional capacities of Lao key stakeholders for improving safety of hydropower dams in the Lao PDR. 

The Steering Committee reviewed key achievements of 2024 and officially endorsed the DSTIA 2025 operational work plan, setting the stage for further progress in strengthening dam safety, institutional capacity, and technical standards in the Lao PDR.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bouathep Malaykham recognized the critical role of the DSTIA project in building technical and institutional capabilities for dam safety within MEM and related institutions. He expressed appreciation for the Swiss Government’s continued support and acknowledged the joint achievements made possible through this strategic partnership.

Mr. Schranz, in turn, highlighted Switzerland’s long-standing collaboration with the Lao PDR, underlining that DSTIA represents a shared commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and asset management, and risk reduction for downstream communities. He emphasized the added value of Swiss expertise, while also noting the importance of strong Lao leadership and ownership to ensure lasting impact.

A key highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the first-ever dam engineering course launched in Laos on February 13, 2025. This milestone was considered as a symbol of the Lao-Swiss partnership's tangible outcomes, fostering homegrown expertise and long-term resilience.

The Steering Committee welcomed several recommendations to strengthen the project's implementation, including enhanced cross-sectoral collaboration, expanded capacity-building support to sub-national and line agencies, and improved data sharing and transparency mechanisms.

The meeting acknowledged the upcoming project Mid-Term Review by an independent third party, which will provide a valuable opportunity to assess progress, refine strategies, and build consensus on the path forward. The review is expected to further align the project with Lao PDR’s national development priorities and global best practices.

In closing, Mr. Bouathep Malaykham emphasized the need for continued cooperation, legislative reform, and institutional strengthening to safeguard communities and ecosystems reliant on hydropower infrastructure. Mr. Schranz reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with Lao partners, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility and co-creation in elevating the project to a new level of impact.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of joint purpose and dedication to building a safer, more sustainable dam management framework in the Lao PDR - rooted in mutual respect, technical excellence, and a long-term development vision.

KPL