Vientiane, december, 6th, 2020.UNFPA supported Zero Waste Laos along with other partners to hold a conference on "Youths For SDGs" that aims to gather innovative and talented young people who discussed their role to build a better future for themselves and the planet, exploring alternative solutions to reduce pollution, promoting green practices, and fostering sustainable development.
Young boys and girls play an important role in advocating for and achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Lao PDR, under UNFPA ‘s “My Body, My Planet, My Future” campaign youth engage and contribute to shaping the future by providing their voices for policy implementation, COVID-19 awareness and prevention, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender equality and ecological solutions to protect the planet and their future. The Vice Minister of Information said: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)results and success. In addition to the 17 global SDGs, Lao PDR has adopted an 18th national SDGs called, “Lives safe from unexploded ordnance”. Laos had made strong efforts to reach the MDGs then to adapt their transition in achieving SDGs goals and align them with each National Socio-Economic Development Plan over the past 5 years
The conference took place in Vientiane on 5-6 December, it was organized with the support of more than 20 organizations and 130 volunteers. It gathered over 300 young boys and girls that participated in different sessions to explore their right to make choices for their future and the added value represented by their participation into the COVID-19 recovery, the way forward on long term strategies to protect the environment and their future. The conference was supported by UK Embassy, Nam Theun 2 Power Company, Norwegian People's Aid, UN Volunteers, UK Embassy, Nam Theun 2 Power Company, and International School of Laos. It was also an occasion for the different NGOs and volunteer groups to showcase their work and creative initiatives as well as to attract donors, raise funds and build partnerships.
“Zero Waste Laos was established about a year ago as an environmental volunteering group with the goal to raise awareness and engage young people to be involved in solving environmental problems, especially on waste issues. Since its formation, there is a great increase in membership, across the whole country”.
“UNFPA is committed to realize the full potential of young people, with partners, we provide platforms to youth to speak, to engage and to take action. When youth are given the space,the opportunity to acquire knowledge and encouraged to take action, communities and countries can accelerate sustainable development” said Ms Mariam. A Khan, UNFPA Representative
For more information please contact:
Phetmany Viyadeth, National Communication Consultant UNFPA Lao PDR
Email: viyadeth@unfpa.org
