Inaugural Lao National Youth Forum Kicks Off in Vientiane to Champion Sustainable Food Systems

Forum Addresses Critical Challenges

The inaugural Lao National Youth Forum, themed 'Youth-Led Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems,' officially commenced on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The event aims to empower young people to spearhead the transformation of food systems towards greater sustainability and resilience in the face of escalating climate change impacts.

Organized with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the forum brings together key stakeholders to address the nation's pressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Laos faces a rapidly growing population, projected to reach 9 million by 2035, which significantly increases demand for food, water, and land. Urban expansion, often converting valuable agricultural land, further strains resources and threatens food security, compounded by the increasing effects of climate change.

Key Participants and Objectives

The forum saw the attendance of several prominent figures, including Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Xaynakhone Inthavong; United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Bakhodir Burkhanov; and FAO Representative to Laos, Kyung-Mee Kim. In his address, Deputy Minister Inthavong underscored the Ministry's commitment to transforming national food systems.

The core objective of the forum is to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to drive sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen climate-resilient food systems across Laos. This is achieved through various initiatives, including:

• Promoting young farmers through comprehensive training programs focused on sustainable agriculture, business management, and marketing.
• Collaborating with universities to support research on climate resilience.
• Encouraging youth participation in community development.
• Offering scholarships and vocational training.
• Organizing regular courses on the latest agricultural technologies.

Youth-Led Approach and Engagement

A distinctive feature of this forum is its 'youth-led' approach, where young people are not merely participants but are actively involved in designing, facilitating, and delivering sessions, field visits, and workshops. This includes interactive activities such as the 'CSA Game,' 'World Café,' 'Talk Shows,' and a 'Film Festival,' alongside group discussions and reflections from field visits. This model ensures that youth perspectives, creativity, and innovation are at the forefront of the national conversation on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Impact on Sustainable Development

Youth engagement in climate-smart agriculture is recognized for its multifaceted benefits. It not only addresses critical environmental concerns but also plays a vital role in stimulating rural economies, reducing poverty, and creating new job opportunities within emerging green sectors. These outcomes are considered crucial factors for the sustainable development of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.