The Liechtenstein Development Service (LED)
The Liechtenstein Development Service (Liechtensteinisher Entwicklungsdienst, LED) is the official bilateral development cooperation organisation of the Principality of Liechtenstein. LED is a publicly owned foundation established in 1965.
Liechtenstein's commitment for bilateral development is embedded in the universal framework for action of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Development Goals (SDGs) as well as in key international human rights treaties and international conventions.
In the Republic of Moldova, LED started its activity in September 2007 with the aim to contribute to the improvement of the education system from early childhood to technical vocational education and training (TVET).
From 2017 onwards, the portfolio has been reshaped to increasingly focus on the TVET system. LED MD intervened and created impact at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels. At the micro-level, interventions built the capacities of local TVET institutions, by improving infrastructure, strengthening institution management, training TVET teachers and instructors, and developing learning contents. Alongside the provision of more relevant and inclusive training, interventions included support after graduation so that students have access to decent work or self-employment. At meso-level, LED MD built the capacities of local training providers for TVET teachers, instructors, and managers. Also, it helped to set up and build the capacities of the National Student Council and to embed entrepreneurial learning in curriculum and training. At the macro-level, LED MD assisted MoER with drafting and implementing new reforms, e.g. curriculum reform, National Qualification Framework reform.
The LED's activities are guided by the principles of leaving no one behind, gender equality, cultural diversity and ecological sustainability.
The LED Strategy 2023–2026 defined food security (sustainable food systems with a focus on agroecology) and vocational training and employability as key priority themes of Liechtenstein's cooperation. Vocational training and employability is the priority focus for the assistance in Moldova.
LED's country program is oriented along three impact areas:
- TVET system governance
- Quality and relevance of training
- Access and Transition to work
