From Yangon. With passion and determination
Dear visitor, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the website of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Office in Yangon. The website is intended to serve as an important information-sharing portal to present the Italian Cooperation in Myanmar’s objectives and activities in our concerted effort to contribute to the country’s development. Since 2012, Myanmar has made momentous history, embarking on a transition to democracy that presents a unique opportunity for political, social and economic change. Such a historic transition also poses great challenges along the way, and the process towards institutional restructuring and effective development of aid coordination is still long and fraught with obstacles. AICS Yangon leads the formulation, coordination and implementation of all development cooperation programmes and actions supported by Italy in Myanmar, working closely with the national Government and the community of Development Partners in the country.
Since 2013, Myanmar has increasingly been considered a priority partner for the Italian Cooperation as we support the country along the path to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set by the 2030 Agenda.
As part of the Italian Cooperation system, our actions are coordinated with a wide range of Italian stakeholders that are active in Myanmar, such as Italian civil society, including NGOs and Universities and Research institutes, along with representatives of the Private Sector. Most importantly, we constantly engage in policy dialogue with national authorities and local stakeholders to set a common vision in the spirit of ownership, results and mutual accountability set by aid effectiveness agendas.
In close collaboration with the EU Delegation to Myanmar, its Member States and other International Organizations operating in the Country, AICS Yangon strives to set ambitious goals and deliver quality results in five sectors and thematic areas: governance and the peace process, social inclusion and rural development, economic development with a focus on cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, gender and humanitarian assistance. From contributing to setting up the Joint Peace Fund supporting peace in Myanmar to taking part in national programmes delivering energy and key rural infrastructure in the northwest of the country; from supporting economic development through cultural heritage restoration and renovation to promoting gender equality both at the institutional and field level, AICS is committed to promoting economic prosperity and social inclusion in Myanmar. In addition, we support key multilateral programmes addressing community needs in humanitarian settings in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Conscious of the great responsibility coming with the national context and following a long period of reduced Office activities, I joined AICS Yangon in September 2019. We have a lot of work to do to reignite the engine, and I am honoured to have the responsibility of leading a small but committed, competent and professional team, making sure we do our best to contribute to accomplishing the objectives of the Italian Law n. 125/2014 on Development and Cooperation, which established AICS to effectively support development processes worldwide.
Finally, I am pleased to extend an invitation to all of you to browse our site. It is intended as a privileged window through which you can see the Italian commitment to supporting Myanmar’s development strategy. At the same time, we have developed this website as a tool for learning more about the extraordinary human variety and culture and the immense and poignant beauty of Myanmar. A country that has all the physical and human potential to allow its people to live a better tomorrow.
Walter Zucconi
AICS Yangon Head of Office
AICS Yangon Head of Office, Walter Zucconi
