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Ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR, Mr. Mark Gallagher, participated in the annual Budget Support Steering Committee (BSSC) meeting, where the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), together with the Ministry of Finance, presented progress on the implementation of the Education Sector Plan.
The plan is supported by the EU-funded budget support programme, Partnership for Education and Skills for Inclusive and Green Growth (PESIG).
The high-level meeting, chaired by Vice Minister of Education and Sports Samlane Phankhavong, was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Finance and key development partners.
It served as an opportunity to reaffirm joint commitment to promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all Lao children. Participants discussed major challenges facing the sector and reviewed progress made in education during 2025.
On this occasion, the EU marked the recent disbursement of EUR 9.5 million in budget support to the Government of the Lao PDR. This disbursement reflects the EU’s confidence in the achievements under the current Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSDP 2021–2026), particularly in improving access to quality education, enhancing teacher training, and strengthening sector governance.
The support underscores the EU’s continued partnership with the Lao PDR in building an inclusive and resilient education system that leaves no learner behind.
With a total budget of EUR 52 million, PESIG contributes directly to the state budget to support the implementation of the ESSDP 2021–2026. The programme aims to expand access to education at all levels—from early childhood to primary and secondary education—while improving education quality through teacher training and strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
It also promotes stronger governance and accountability to ensure that limited education funds are used efficiently and equitably for the benefit of all Lao youth.
“Education is key to the long-term prosperity and resilience of the Lao PDR. Through this programme, the EU stands alongside the government in building an inclusive, efficient, and quality education system that leaves no one behind,” Ambassador Gallagher emphasized.
The EU remains one of the key development partners supporting the Government of the Lao PDR in implementing the ESSDP.
Through long-term budget support and complementary technical cooperation, the EU has helped strengthen education systems, improve teacher quality, and uphold education as a national priority for sustainable development.
The EU is also committed to helping Lao youth develop the skills needed to succeed in a green and digital economy.
Complementing this, initiatives such as the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry programme—co-funded by the EU, Luxembourg, and Switzerland—continue to expand opportunities for young people, especially women and disadvantaged groups.
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