UNICEF Lao PDR Appoints Aluna Thavonsouk as National Ambassador

Vientiane, 30 May 2022 – To mark Children’s Day in Lao PDR, UNICEF appoints popular Lao singer Aluna Thavonsouk as its first National Ambassador. As a UNICEF National Ambassador, Aluna joins other celebrities around the world who use their voice and prominence to advocate for the rights of children.

As one of the leading pop-R&B artists in Lao PDR, Aluna’s career spans almost 17 years. She made her debut with her first self-titled album in 2005 and since then has become one of the most well-known names in the Lao music industry. Aluna is also known with her proficiency in playing the Khaen, the national musical instrument of Lao PDR.

“I am very honoured to be appointed National UNICEF Ambassador in Lao PDR. I hope that through my music, I will be able to unite everyone under the noble goal of realizing the rights and potential of every child. I can use my voice to tell children’s stories and be their advocate,” said Aluna.

Last year, Aluna partnered with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF to produce a song called “Vaccinate Laos” to contribute towards the national vaccination effort against COVID-19. It contains lyrics celebrating the efforts of the country’s health workers during the pandemic and highlights the importance of vaccination. The song was premiered on World Children’s Day 2021 and was met with critical acclaim from the Lao public.

Aluna also maintains a consistent online presence. She has more than 41,000 followers across all her social media platforms and has used her online presence to advocate for various social issues, including the promotion of the Ministry of Education and Sports’ digital teaching and learning platform “Khang Panya Lao” to support children’s learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As UNICEF Lao PDR Ambassador, Aluna will help raise further awareness about the various challenges that children face through both online and offline channels, such as those related to health, education, protection and poverty among others, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, she will also help advocate for the rights of young girls in Lao PDR, who still continue to face challenges that require urgent action, such as the issue of early marriage.

“We are very pleased to welcome Aluna as our national ambassador in Lao PDR. I am confident that with the vitality and talent that she brings, Aluna will be an invaluable addition to our UNICEF team and in directing attention to issues related to children in Lao PDR and beyond,” said Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to Lao PDR.