Koica extends programme on climate resilience, empowerment in Attapeu

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN) - The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will continue to support an integrated programme on climate resilience and empowerment in Attapeu province.

The programme is taking place from 2019-2023 at a cost of US$11.5 million, provided by KOICA to assist flood-affected communities in Attapeu province.

The initiative is expected to have a meaningful impact as it is aligned with HDP (Humanitarian-Development-Peace) Nexus. It aims to link with humanitarian aid as a rapid response measure in crisis situations.

In the medium term, these measures are well followed by KOICA’s Development Programme through integration. In the long term, the Lao and Korean governments will enhance measures to achieve peace.

The project focuses on agriculture, health, education, skill development, disaster risk management and child protection, and aims to rehabilitate flood-affected areas and provide support to flood victims in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

A record of discussion on the programme was signed in Vientiane on Tuesday between the ministry and KOICA.

The signing was witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mrs Baykham Khattiya, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Shin Sung-soon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Baykham said the programme aimed to improve the quality of life of flood victims through improved health services.

Programme staff would educate local families about health issues, child protection, agriculture, and disaster risk management. The initiative is a fundamental component of post-disaster recovery in Attapeu province.

Established in 1991, KOICA has been playing a leading role in implementing Korea’s official development assistance (ODA).

The agency has been engaged in several activities aimed at socio-economic development in Laos with a priority on the health, education, agriculture and rural development sectors.

KOICA established the KOV (Korea Overseas Volunteers) office to Laos in 2001 followed by the dispatch of three volunteers in 2000.

In 2006, the office was renamed the KOICA Office to the Lao PDR with an expanded role to execute the increased amount of grant aid provided by the Korean government.

Source(s)

  • Vientiane Times

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