From December 16-20, 2024, a comprehensive five-day workshop was held to discuss the Theory of Change for the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN) project and develop a sustainability plan to ensure its continuation beyond the project’s conclusion. The workshop’s opening session was chaired by Mr. Ousavanh Thiengthepvongsa, Director General of the Socio-economic Policy Research Institute at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences. The event brought together key stakeholders from key sectors, including Agriculture, Education, Health, DRI, and SPRI, to brainstorm strategies for future implementation and sustainability.
The first day focused on identifying and defining the core problems related to the nutrition landscape and establishing the desired changes. Facilitators, including Mr. Kovalan Kumaran and Mr. Simone Buosi from UNICEF, led participants through sessions on NIPN and the Theory of Change, followed by group activities and discussions to refine these concepts. The second day concentrated on identifying key bottlenecks within the sector and drafting interventions to address these challenges. Mr. Vilon Viphongxay guided the group through the process of analyzing and addressing these obstacles, with group discussions ensuring shared understanding and alignment.
The third day focused on identifying systemic changes necessary to achieve the desired outcomes (changes), with participants working collaboratively to draft and validate these changes through group presentations. The final two days of the workshop were dedicated to establishing a sustainability framework for the NIPN project. Sessions, facilitated by Ingo Neu a consultant from C4N focused on defining sustainability components, engaging stakeholders, and exploring institutional and financial frameworks. Participants worked in groups to draft action plans ensuring the long-term sustainability of NIPN.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Sitthiroth Rasphone, Director General of DRI, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and long-term planning to address nutrition challenges effectively. The workshop marked a significant step towards ensuring the NIPN project’s ongoing success and its lasting impact on nutrition in Lao PDR.