26 September 2002

Bonn, Germany: Q: UN Volunteers are involved in ecotourism initiatives in Lao PDR. Why are foreign tourists attracted to your country?

A: First of all, because of the uniqueness of Lao PDR. We try to preserve the identity and culture of the country through preservation of existing cultural heritage as well as good traditions. The focus on the development of tourism is considered an important potential for resource mobilization and for development; ecotourism based on nature and culture. We are pleased that in collaboration with the UNV and SNV we are developing an ecotourist team as an experiment in Nam Ha, which also involved a very strong participation of the local people. Which contributes to development in a very sound a balanced way.

Q: What do tourists see in areas where the UNV projects are located?

A: The nature is quite intact. Tourists particularly coming from developed countries want to be closer to nature. And it is logical since they are coming from cities with a lot of glass. And in Lao PDR we still have the privilege in preserving the nature and the richness of our national traditions and culture.

Q: What do you consider as the most pressing development challenge facing your country now?

A: Human resource development. In this regard, we are pleased to mention that UNV will participate in the new project in governance, the second phase of the governance and public administration reform which is the continuation of a very successful first phase which contributed to the signing of a ministerial decree on corruption, for which we are working on the enforcement. With the successful first phase we are going to the Luang Prabang province with finances from SIDA (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and we pleased that the UNV will also participate in the implementation of this very important project in governance. The focus will be on capacity-building at the local level. Because decentralization for us is that we have to establish provincial level strategic units, district level planning and fiscal units and village level and implementing units. Which means a lot of implication for the need for capacity-building and institution building.

Q: At which levels will the UN Volunteers assist?

A: The main levels will be district and village levels, in my understanding. But the project is aimed at the strengthening of governance, most particularly public administration in the implementation of the decentralization policy in Luang Prabang province. Which means that the project will consider implementation at three levels. But the most pressing need is the lack of capacities, particularly at the district level.

Q: You have been working with UN Volunteers for some time. How would you describe the cooperation with UN Volunteers programme?

A: We can be satisfied with the results of the cooperation which is ... the proactive cooperation in terms of building the partnership with players in the country, both domestic and international. We give a high appreciation of the contribution of the partnership with bilateral, even international, financial institutions as in the case of ADB [Asian Development Bank] in projects dealing with urban development. It is very important that we can coordinate the activities of all players in order to strengthen the synergy of interventions as well as maximize the expertise of individual organizations.

Q: What do you hope long-term relationship with UNV will be? How would you like to see this relationship develop?

A: I feel very confident our relationship with our main partners in the international donor community including agencies in the UN system and UNV programme. We believe that is cooperation will [build] on the achievements being recorded on ongoing cooperation will help us through your expertise the Lao capacity. In Laos we can achieve sustainable development with equity of course. But sustainable through cooperation with the donor communities, including the UNV, to achieve the target of transfer of skills, know-how, knowledge, to build our own capacity, build our own institutions.

Q: UNV is very keen to promote volunteerism. What about volunteerism in the Lao PDR context? Is this an important concept in your country?

A: It is a new concept. We are also introducing an understanding with volunteer in the development framework, particularly at the village level. We also introduced the terminology volunteer as a [trainer]…They will act as trainers to train; we build trainers to train further. And in many cases, people that are being trained, they will act as volunteers, help at the village level, in social services, for example.

Q: I assume that community-based organizations somehow work on a voluntary basis?

A: We have mass organizations working on the same principle. We now have women's union, youth, trade union, the Lao National Reconstruction Front and the Federation of Trade Unions. These are main organizations representing the main segments of the society. And we also have organizations established on the basis of specialization, such as associations of coffee producers, traders in a particular area. There are also associations of writers, composers, even association of motor users at the village level. We have different types of organizations.

Q: Do you believe that volunteerism is something that the government should promote among the villagers and people at the district level?

A: We are using volunteers. Volunteers who follow the main philosophy of rendering service, of pioneering new things, but with the aim of strong partnership with existing organizations. With the aim to transfer skills, knowledge to build the capacities for sustainable development. It is a good concept. Help the people but not replace the people.

Q: What is your message to the UN Volunteers?

A: Keep this very strong dedication to international volunteerism to build bridges between people and strengthen this very important aspect of people's diplomacy, which will, in our belief, help in the strengthening of a mutual understanding between people in the world. And that creates a better and more conducive environment for peace and stability which is very needed to achieve the targets of growth.