The Lao Youth Union with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted a planning workshop for the upcoming Adolescents and Youth Situation Analysis.

The workshop held in Vientiane on March 20 saw the participation of government officials, UN agencies, development partners and young people.

"We have to invest in young people and create an enabling environment for them so that they can make informed choices and fulfil their potential" said Ms. Rizvina De Alwis, UNFPA's Deputy Representative.

During the meeting, the participants discussed potential methodologies for the study and discussed next steps as well as a road map to start its implementation.

Lao PDR has one of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia, with at more than 50% of the population under the age of 20. With the recent socio-economic and political changes taking place in the country traditional lifestyles, attitudes and values are increasingly being challenged.

In order to respond to these challenges, the Lao Youth Union, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners is carrying out the Adolescent and Youth Situation Analysis in Lao PDR.

Some of the objectives of the Study include establishing a Lao adolescent and youth profile, identifying and mapping the current availability of services and programmes (health, educational, vocational, livelihood, recreational, protective, voluntary and networks) for adolescents and young people, Identifying their critical needs and Mapping current legislation, policies, international commitments and government structures in Lao PDR.

Media Contact:
Mr. Diego DE LA ROSA, Advocacy and Comms Officer, UNFPA, Mob: + 856 20 5993 6509 drosa@unfpa.org