51社区黑料

Written by Yassmeen El-Hariri 

Since the beginning of my university education, I have aspired to pursue an international career and, ultimately, work within the United Nations system. As an International Studies major, I was particularly excited about the opportunity to work in Lao PDR, a country experiencing rapid economic and social transformation and approaching graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2026. Being on the ground during this pivotal moment鈥攚here development gains must be balanced with inclusion and sustainability鈥攎ade Lao PDR a uniquely compelling context in which to learn about international development in practice.

The International Studies Travel Award (ISTA) enabled me to travel to Lao PDR for an eight-month internship through the  a partnership between the United Nations Association in Canada and the School for International Studies. Through this programme, I took on the role of Junior Professional Consultant with the Inclusive Growth Unit and Economist Team at the United Nations Development Programme in Lao PDR.

From my very first week, I was immersed in field-based work, including a mission to visit enterprises supported under the Inclusive Value Chains Programme鈥擴NDP Lao PDR鈥檚 flagship initiative supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This experience immediately underscored the critical role MSMEs play in the Lao economy. MSMEs account for approximately 99 percent of all enterprises and employ nearly 80 percent of the labour force, making them the backbone of livelihoods and economic activity nationwide. Supporting their growth is therefore essential to achieving inclusive and resilient development outcomes.

The Inclusive Value Chains Programme aims to strengthen the competitiveness and market access of MSMEs, cooperatives, and producer groups through tailored, on-site business advisory support. In parallel, it builds a pipeline of young Inclusive Value Chains advisors by equipping early-career professionals with hands-on experience in enterprise development, advisory services, and value chain facilitation. The programme is based on UNDP鈥檚 Inclusive Value Chains methodology, which has been implemented across 16 countries in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. During my internship, I had the opportunity to observe all stages of the programme and witness the adaptation of a global methodology to the Lao context.

I supported the selection of participating businesses and developed close working relationships with several owners. This was especially meaningful, as it revealed that many enterprises are not simply income-generating activities but deeply personal and mission-driven endeavors. A significant number of businesses are women-owned, reflecting how women in Lao PDR are often disproportionately concentrated in MSMEs and informal sectors, frequently starting businesses out of necessity. Despite systemic constraints, these women entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience and innovation in sustaining livelihoods and supporting their communities.

Several enterprises are social businesses with broader social objectives. Two employ persons with disabilities, offering vocational training in traditional Lao handicrafts and enabling dignified, fulfilling work. Others focus on preserving traditional wellness knowledge and sharing it in broader markets. For these entrepreneurs, the programme is not merely about profit, but about purpose. 

This experience reinforced the importance of respecting local contexts and grounding development work in lived realities. As this is my first time working in an international context, I went in knowing that what is learned in a classroom and recommended in a paper is not always suitable to the situation on the ground; this experience brought that understanding to life, highlighting the importance of flexibility. For example, with the Inclusive Value Chains, despite the global nature of the methodology, its effectiveness depended on how thoughtfully it was adapted to national and community-specific conditions. Where the programme has been most successful has been through close collaboration鈥攂etween advisors and entrepreneurs, and among businesses themselves鈥攇rounded in trust, local knowledge, and shared problem-solving. I will carry this lesson with me throughout my future endeavours, shaping how I approach development work and ensuring that I deliver meaningful and effective support to the communities I aim to serve, rooted in collaboration and local realities.