Advancing social justice, promoting decent work
ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations
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Promoting Advancement of Vulnerable Persons and Enterprises (PAVE) Project
The PAVE project builds on the ILO’s project Local Empowerment through Economic Development (LEED+) Project, which was supported by the Government of Norway and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The LEED+ project successfully used market systems to promote sustainable improvements in livelihoods.
PAVE is a strategic initiative tailored to address significant economic hurdles within Sri Lanka's Northern Province. The region faces unique challenges such as a high percentage of households led by women, a significant population of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and structural hindrances to economic growth, exacerbated by factors such as social stigma and limited access to resources. The project primarily focuses on creating an inclusive and vibrant economy by promoting value addition in promising value chains, offering essential business development services to create an enabling environment for enterprises, and introducing digital solutions for entrepreneurs. PAVE aims to empower vulnerable populations, enhance economic well-being, and contribute to sustained growth in the Northern Province.
Main pillars of intervention
Inclusive growth: The project aspires to ensure equitable growth, focusing on social and economic empowerment of Women, PWDs and other vulnerable populations.
Private sector investment: PAVE will facilitate private sector investment in value added activities through collaboration and local partnerships.
Entrepreneurship: The project will simultaneously focus on creation of entrepreneurs to uplift the economy while developing Business Development Services (BDS) that supports entrepreneurs to flourish.
Digitalisation: PAVE will facilitate upgradation of the selected value chains by promoting digitisation, digitalisation, and inclusive digital solutions.
