Governance is the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority to manage a country's affairs at all levels. Governance should involve three key stakeholders – the state, the civil society and the private sector – as equally represented and valued partners in governing the affairs of a country. Development experiences made across the world have proven that governance is a cornerstone for sustainable development and poverty reduction.

As Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia are in the process of transitioning into market-oriented economies, these nations face the challenges of regional and global integration. Strong national governance sectors are a prerequisite to overcome these challenges, and therefore the Swiss Cooperation provides support for governance reforms. The strategic principles of democracy, gender equality, and human rights guide the Governance programming in the Mekong Region.

Current projects:

• Lao DECIDE Info: Demand and challenge-driven information development & dissemination for informed Socio-economic decision-making in Lao PDR
• Rights-LINK: Rights-Land, Information, Networking, and Knowledge in Lao PDR
• Support to the Operations of the Lao National UXO Programme
• The Poverty Reduction Fund
• Governance and Public Reform: Support for Better Service Delivery
• The Northern Uplands Development Programme

Past projects:

• Community Management
• Mainstreaming Prevention of Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence Prevention (UNODC)
• Promotion of the Engagement of Men and Boys in Domestic Violence Prevention
• Prevention of Domestic Violence against Women
• Support to the National Legal Aid System in Vietnam
• Supporting Public Administration Reform in Cao Bang
• Public Administration for Poverty Reduction and Equitable Growth
• Poverty Mapping and Socio-Economic Atlas