The Lao Youth Union (LYU) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) celebrated International Youth Day with a vibrant event filled with creativity, artistic performances, and demonstrations of youth leadership. The event gathered 300 young people and was attended by officials from the different line ministries as well as civil society organizations. It highlighted the critical connection between digitalization and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the essential contributions of young people to this transformative process.

International Youth Day 2024: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”

This year's theme underscores the pivotal role of technology and digital systems in advancing the global development agenda. As part of the celebrations, young people were invited to participate in an online video competition to share their insights and aspirations on using technology to advance Lao society.

The activities were organized under UNFPA’s global campaign, “Me, My Body, My Planet, My Future,” and involved various stakeholders to promote a comprehensive approach to youth well-being that includes their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights. This campaign also explored how technology can be a driving force for progress.

Digital Transformation and the SDGs

Digital transformation is one of the six key transitions with catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs. Technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and innovations such as artificial intelligence are vital in advancing the SDGs. Data from digital interactions is fundamental to digital transformation, enabling evidence-based decision-making. It is estimated that digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, significantly impacting their economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Digital Landscape in Laos

As of 2023, more than 6.1 million mobile phone numbers have been issued in Laos, with over 4.6 million internet accounts opened (MoTC). Mobile phone signal coverage now extends to 8,245 villages in 148 districts across 18 provinces, accounting for 97% of all villages in Laos. There are five telecommunication service providers and over 20 internet companies operating in the country. However, many people still lack access to the internet and digital tools, making it imperative to bridge the digital divide for a more inclusive future, particularly for young people who rely on online learning platforms, social media, and communication apps.

Youth as Digital Pioneers

Young people are often considered “digital natives” due to their age and early exposure to technology. They are at the forefront of adopting new technologies, forming the largest demographic of users and developers shaping digital trends globally. This positions them as the driving force behind digitalization and innovation, leading the way toward a data-driven future. As the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, youth remain crucial in leveraging the transformative power of technology to tackle global challenges.

“Youth are the driving force behind socio-economic development, inheriting the nation’s legacy and shaping its future. Young people possess a remarkable capacity to learn, adapt, and innovate. In today’s world, technology is a vital tool for youth, enabling them to lead the digital transformation that benefits all of society. As adults, it is our responsibility to create the conditions for Lao youth to thrive—ensuring they are healthy, well-educated, gainfully employed, protected, and empowered to actively participate in the nation’s development from an early age.

The celebration of International Youth Day highlights the crucial role of technology in achieving sustainable development goals, embraces the diversity of youth, and fosters a knowledge base accessible to all stakeholders, including youth, society, the government, and relevant UN organizations. Increasing youth participation is a key priority of the 2021-2030 Youth Development Strategy, and this event serves as a vital platform for dialogue, information exchange, and collaboration.” Said H.E Mr. Monexay Laomoaxong, Secretary General, Lao Youth Union.

Promoting Youth Leadership

Promoting youth leadership by enhancing platforms for learning, showcasing their abilities, and encouraging their participation in society is integral to the Youth and Adolescent Development Plan and the Youth and Adolescent Development Strategy 2021-2030 for Laos. This aligns with the government’s commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25).

Activities and Engagements

The IYD celebration featured various activities that took place since late July. These activities included artistic performances, debates panel discussions, online competitions, social media awareness campaigns and quizzes at the youth radio. The event also brought together representatives from various ministries, UN agencies, donors, media, iNGOs, local CSOs, and the private sector to strengthen dialogue on joint initiatives and promote the role of youth as agents of change, innovators, and leaders in Lao PDR.

“Young people are key to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the Programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). In this respect, I would like to acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the high-level commitment of the Government of Lao PDR to the ICPD PoA, as reflected in the National ICPD25 commitments, including the commitments to end gender-based violence, unmet need for family planning and maternal death and disability by 2030”.

“The continuous collaboration between UNFPA and Lao Youth Union will continue to be marked by: (1) strong youth involvement; (2) change for impact; (3) mobilizing all sectors and actors, including media and the private sector to contribute financial and technical resources to youth empowerment and participation”, said Ms. Siriphone Sakulku, UNFPA Lao PDR Officer in Charge.

Throughout the year, UNFPA will continue to support youth-led activities under the “Me, My Body, My Planet, My Future” campaign by organizing workshops, competitions, challenges, and supporting innovations. Non-traditional partners, such as the media and the private sector, will be engaged to enhance these efforts.

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UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and reproductive health agency, works in over 150 countries, including Lao PDR, to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet family planning needs, and zero gender-based violence.

For more information, please contact: laos.office@unfpa.org