The Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU), in collaboration with The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the 3rd draft of National Youth and Adolescents Policy from 28-29 August 2018. High level policy makers from line ministries, technical experts, young people and development partners actively participated in the review of the policy.
The meeting presented the progress on the draft National Youth and Adolescent Policy as the nearly final draft and invited all participants to stakeholders to provide feedback, comments and reflections on this draft towards finalization of the Policy. This policy will be the first ever and historical for adolescent and youth in Lao PDR and will significantly contribute to the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).
“Lao PDR has one of the youngest population in South East Asia, with nearly 60% below the age of 25 years1, and nearly 22% of the population are adolescent girls and boys (aged 10-19 years) 1. Young people have a significant role to play in country’s development and will be the driving force behind social and economic development in future decades. Therefore, policies and programmes are needed to enhance their capacities and provide proper opportunities which will allow them to fulfil their potential.” Said Mr. Alounxay Sounalat, Secretary General, of The Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU).
In June 2018, Lao Youth Union sent out 2nd Draft of National Youth and Adolescent Policy (NYAP) to the provinces and line ministries for their comments. The NYAP presented today, had included all comments from the different stakeholders.
The final NYAP will provide policy directions to the different line ministries and call for proper investments for youth in the areas of health, education, sports and employment so that young people can contribute to the development of the Country.
It will also focus on collaboration, youth engagement as well as increasing capacity, skills, knowledge management as well as raising awareness on different issues of importance to young people.
“With a good youth and adolescent policy in place and with the right investments Lao PDR can benefit from the huge youth population. Providing young people, and particularly adolescent girls like “Noi”, with opportunities will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. It is essential that young people participate and are able to contribute to economic, social and political development in a way that lifts the country out of poverty, ensures greater stability and promotes healthier societies.” said Ms. Frederika Meijer UNFPA’s Representative in Lao PDR.
The meeting was appreciative of the 3rd draft of the NYAP and provided some further comments and inputs. The LYU will consolidate all inputs in the Final draft which will then be presented to the Steering Committee for approval and ultimately presented to the Prime Minister for endorsement.
- Population and Housing Census 2015: bit.ly/2MYsc6O
UNFPA is the United Nations reproductive health and rights agency. It is the leading agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly maternal health, in over 150 countries, as well as working to end harmful practices such as child marriage, and supporting population data collection and analysis.
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