Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDEF finances an initiative in Laos to empower civil social organizations to contribute meaningfully to the country¡¯s development and good governance. The project focuses on training and capacity-building for civil society leaders in strategic planning, organizational values, business planning, annual report writing, and managing organizations in accordance with international codes of conduct. It also includes a study visits in Thailand to discuss community development and meet with international donors, including the private sector, so as to learn about donor expectations. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDEF Deputy Executive Head Mikiko Sawanishi (third from right) visited the project in July 2012.