Photo credit: Sierra Van Tent
By Sierra Van Tent, MIPP
Development work uses a lot of technical language: domestic revenue mobilization, tax expenditures, results-based management, financing strategies, data systems, long-term national planning frameworks, are all terms that have become deeply embedded in the day-to-day rhythm of my internship. And, while these are all components essential for supporting inclusive economic growth, it can sometimes feel far removed from the everyday realities of people across the country. Over time, I have come to feel that the most impactful part of development work happens when all of this is translated into real opportunities for people. The most meaningful part of my experience living and working in Vientiane has been contributing to programmes that allow me to directly connect with the people these projects are intended to support.
During my internship, my primary responsibility was leading the Young Local Expertise Acceleration Programme (Y-LEAP), an initiative focused on strengthening local development capacity in the Lao PDR. Although international experts bring valuable skills and knowledge to the table, there remains a significant need to invest in nationally rooted professionals who deeply understand the cultural, social, and economic nuances of the country.
Like many countries navigating rapid economic and institutional transformation, Laos faces a shortage of highly trained national professionals in sectors such as public finance, policy, foreign affairs, statistics, and development planning. In parallel, many recent university graduates in the country struggle to access hands-on professional experience, mentorship opportunities, and clear pathways into the development sector. This can create a cycle where international consultants are relied upon heavily for technical work, even though long-term sustainability depends on local ownership and leadership.
Y-LEAP was designed to help address this gap; the programme places recent Lao university graduates into internship positions across government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao Statistics Bureau, and the Investment Promotion Office. The goal is to provide technical experience and to support the emergence of a new generation of development professionals who can design and implement policies grounded in the local context. Moreover, Lao PDR is one of the youngest nations in Southeast Asia, with half its population below age 25. Young people therefore represent a critical resource in driving social and economic progress in the country.
Over the past months, I had the opportunity to work closely with nine exceptionally bright and motivated young professionals who formed the programme’s first cohort. In monthly mentoring sessions and workshops, we discussed their policy work, career ambitions, and their shared desire to contribute meaningfully to their country’s development. Government planning and financing work often moves slowly by necessity, but hearing young people challenge ideas and ask difficult questions has brought a refreshing sense of energy and possibility to my work.
We were going through our internships alongside each other. The programme began shortly after I arrived in Laos, and now, as my own internship comes to an end, I have had the chance to watch the cohort complete their placements and celebrate their graduation. Many of the interns are now continuing into full-time positions within their government ministries, and a few will even be joining our team at UNDP.
Now, a second and expanded cohort is beginning the programme, and I am excited to see where it goes next. If there is one thing this experience has reinforced for me, it is that sustainable development is built through people, particularly young people, who are given the opportunity, trust, and support to shape the future of their own communities.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BSIA, its students, faculty, staff, or Board of Directors.