The LEAP Project Launch: Transforming Public Service Delivery in Lao PDR
December 16, 2024

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR _- Equal access to public services is a fundamental right, yet challenges like inefficiency and limited reach often hinder this in many countries, including Lao PDR. To address these barriers, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Irish Aid, launched the LEAP Project, also called “Enhancing Efficiency and Accessibility of Public Services in Lao PDR”, on 13 December 2024.
With anticipated funding from USAID ($3 million USD) and the Government of Ireland (€1 million EUR), this four-year project aims to create a more effective and inclusive public service system, ensuring all citizens—especially those in underserved and remote areas—can access the services they need.
H.E. Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham, Minister of Home Affairs, emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing public administration and aligning it with the country’s development priorities. "This project represents an important step forward in enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of public services in Lao PDR, ensuring that the government’s efforts reach every corner of the country, especially those most in need," he stated.
The project focuses on:
- Streamlining service delivery processes to improve efficiency.
- Leveraging digital tools to make services more accessible.
- Strengthening institutional capacities to respond effectively to peoples’ needs.
- Empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to enhance access to public services, address local needs, and foster community-based solutions.
The core of the project will follow a people-centered approach, as highlighted by Martine Thérer, Resident Representative, UNDP Lao PDR: “The LEAP Project represents a crucial step toward a public administration that is more transparent, efficient, and centered around the needs of the people. It is a vital part of UNDP’s commitment to promoting good governance, upholding the rule of law, and advancing human rights in Lao PDR.”
By addressing key systemic gaps, the LEAP Project supports Lao PDR’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16, fostering transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions, while aligning with the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan priorities to improve governance and public service delivery.
“We believe that ODSCs should serve as more than just service centers. They can also be an important bridge between the people and the government, ensuring that citizens’ needs are met to the fullest”, said Michael McCord, USAID Country Representative to Laos. “The LEAP Project’s efforts to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity of public services are a vital step in advancing us all toward such a goal.”
As the project begins its implementation phase, the potential for transformative change in the lives of Lao citizens is promising. The Ministry of Home Affairs and UNDP are working in partnership to ensure public administration is a bridge to equitable development. High quality services and increasing access to all people can transform lives and ensure that no one is left behind.
"We believe that the LEAP Project will significantly contribute to building a public service system that truly serves all Lao people, particularly the most vulnerable. Reaching the furthest behind is a core part of Ireland’s approach to development cooperation " said H.E. Ms. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Ambassador of Ireland to Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR.
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Media Contacts:
UNDP:
Thipphavanh Virakhom, Communications Focal Point, Governance Unit UNDP Laos, thipphavanh.virakhom@undp.org
USAID:
Athit Chanthalath, Head of Communications USAID Laos, Achanthalath@usaid.gov
Embassy of Ireland:
Hannah McCarthy, Second Secretary: Hannah.McCarthy@dfa.ie