Vientiane: The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the First National Youth Forum 2025 last Wednesday. This landmark three-day event aims to harness the power of youth in transforming agriculture and building climate-resilient food systems across the country.
According to Lao News Agency, the forum, held under the theme ‘Youth-Led Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems for Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals,’ brings together around 100 young leaders from across Laos, alongside 12 international students from the Republic of Korea and China. Over 50 representatives from government agencies, embassies, development partners, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector are also participating.
The forum is a critical step toward empowering youth as agents of change in the agricultural sector by raising awareness of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Agricultural Heritage. These are key to building sustainable food systems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing youth-led innovations that can address the challenges facing Lao PDR’s agriculture and food systems.
With the country’s population projected to reach 9 million by 2035 and nearly 60% of its citizens under the age of 25, Lao PDR faces growing pressure on its food systems and natural resources. Engaging youth in sustainable agriculture is seen as a vital strategy for addressing these challenges and building a more food-secure future.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the importance of youth leadership in agricultural transformation. ‘Today’s young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators of today. They possess the creativity, energy, and vision necessary to transform our food landscape,’ he said.
Mr. Saynakhone also highlighted various initiatives the Lao government is undertaking to support youth engagement in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Investing in youth is not merely an option; it is an investment in our collective future. By empowering young people, we are investing in a brighter future for all.’
Speaking at the forum, Ms. Kyung Mee Kim, FAO Representative in the Lao PDR, outlined FAO’s continued commitment to youth empowerment through its ‘Four Betters’ framework: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life. ‘Through this framework, FAO supports youth-led innovation both globally and locally, including organizing the World Food Forum (WFF) each year. This year’s global theme-‘Hand-in-Hand for Better Foods and Better Life’-will feature selected Lao youth as lead convenors alongside students from China, Mongolia, France, and the Republic of Korea,’ Ms. Kim said.
The forum includes a lineup of events such as the final round of the ‘Dream Climate-Smart Agriculture’ Youth Challenge, interactive talk shows, a short film festival, and the official launch of a new Youth CSA Initiative. Following the main event in Vientiane, a select group of participants will travel to Luang Prabang for field visits, including hands-on learning experiences with integrated livestock development and organic farming practices in rural communities.