Youth Skills Expo puts young people at the heart of LDC Graduation

VIENTIANE, 12 October 2026 – The Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union, with support from UNICEF, today held the Youth Skills Expo under the theme "Investing in Us". The event showcased the skills, creativity and leadership of young Lao people and their contribution to national development as Lao PDR prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in November. 

The event was opened by H.E. Mr. Thongly Sisoulith, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union, and Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR. It was attended by representatives of government ministries, embassies, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, academia, and young people from across the country. 

"More than half of the Lao population are young people," said H.E. Mr. Thongly Sisoulith. "Developing them into knowledgeable, skilled and confident citizens who can think critically is not the task of any single sector. It is the shared duty of the whole of society, so that young people can become a core force in developing and building the nation." 

The exhibition presented the work of Project Sinxay, implemented by the Lao Youth Union with UNICEF which has reached more than 7,000 young people in Vientiane Capital, Savannakhet, Xaisomboun, Xieng Khouang, Houaphanh, Luang Prabang and Oudomxay. It has supported youth-led initiatives in advocacy and innovation, from rice-straw products in Savannakhet to digital safety and child marriage prevention campaigns. 

“Investing in us starts with listening to us. When our voices and ideas are heard, we grow in confidence, and we are ready to create positive change and help build a better future for our country," said Ms. Chanphone Xongchaiyua, 21, a Project Sinxay Youth Advocate from Houaphanh Province. 

"Project Sinxay shows what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to lead," said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani. "As Lao PDR enters a new stage of development, the skills and ideas of its young people will be among its greatest assets. UNICEF is proud to support the Government and the Lao Youth Union in this work, and we welcome all partners to join in investing in the country's young people." 

The event also took place after the International Day of the Girl, on 11 October. Supporting adolescent girls to continue their education, build skills and reach their full potential is a priority of the new Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Lao PDR and UNICEF for 2027–2031.