National Assembly Members Convene to Address Child Marriage, Youth Development

Thalath, Vientiane Province, 1 September 2025– Members and the Secretariat of the National Assembly’s Social and Cultural Affairs Committee convened today for a 3-day high-level seminar, supported by UNICEF, UNFPA and HPA, focusing on strengthening the National Assembly’s role in advancing child rights and driving national development priorities.

The seminar will focus on urgent issues affecting children and adolescents – including education, health, child and social protection, and adolescent and youth development – with a dedicated focus on ending child marriage and its impacts. In Lao PDR, one in three girls is married before 18, a practice linked to higher risks of maternal death, school dropout and intergenerational poverty. Addressing child marriage could save the country more than USD 41 million each year through reductions in child mortality, school attrition and stunting.

“This is a chance for the Assembly to deepen our understanding of the challenges children face,” said H.E. Khambai Damlat, Vice Chairman of the Assembly’s Standing Committee. “We must end harmful practices like child marriage, expand education and health care, and invest in young people to secure our country’s future.”

Over the three days, National Assembly members will engage with experts from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Lao Women’s Union and development partners to examine evidence, share strategies and agree on priorities for action.

“Investing in girls’ education, protecting adolescents from early marriage and equipping young people with skills are investments in Lao PDR’s future,” said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR. “UNICEF stands ready to work with the National Assembly and the Government of Lao PDR to empower girls and communities and drive inclusive growth.”

The outcomes are expected to reinforce the National Assembly’s leadership in enforcing legislation, budget oversight, and community engagement to protect children’s rights and equip the next generation with the skills needed to lead Lao PDR into a more prosperous and sustainable future.