Lao PDR Celebrates World Children's Day with Spotlight on Youth Climate Action

Vientiane, 20 November 2024 – The Patuxay Monument lit up in blue as Lao PDR celebrated World Children's Day and the 35th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The event highlighted the nation's commitment to children's rights and emphasized the urgent need for young people to be involved in climate action.

This year's celebration, organized by the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (NCAWMC) with UNICEF, focused on the connection between protecting children's rights and addressing environmental challenges. NCAWMC expressed appreciation for the collaboration with development partners, non-governmental organizations, social organizations, associations, and the private sector in safeguarding the rights of every child.

"The Government of Lao PDR is committed to supporting children and young people through our social mobilization efforts and investments in the implementation of children's rights to empowering children in all aspects. Additionally, it is important to listen to the voices of children to help identify their needs and protect their rights, of particular importance being on environmental issues. Doing so can help us create a brighter and sustainable future for children," said Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Health and Vice Chairman of NCAWMC.

Young Lao participants from this years’ the 8th ASEAN Children’s Forum in Lao PDR also took to the stage to share results of the Forum: “We the children of ASEAN are not only the future of our respective nations but also active participants, changemakers, innovators and helpers in solving different problems, especially climate change. We are committed both individually and collectively towards building a stable and sustainable ASEAN community.” 

UNICEF’s Youth Advocate Chanphone Xongchaiyieu, 19, also spoke about the importance of including young people in environment-related decision-making processes. "We are the ones who will live with the results of climate change," Chan said. "It's crucial that our voices are heard and that we help shape the solutions."

Lao PDR's celebration is part of a larger UNICEF initiative urging countries to advance child-sensitive climate policies.

"This celebration reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect and nurture every child," said Mr. Arturo Romboli, Deputy Representative to Lao PDR. "By working together, we can ensure that children not only survive but thrive in a world facing climate change.”

The United Nations' "Pact for the Future", to be discussed at this years COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, includes specific goals to ensure climate financing reaches children in need and that Nationally Determined Contributions prioritize youth participation and child-friendly initiatives.

Adopted on November 20, 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely accepted human rights treaty, outlining the rights of children everywhere.