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ASEAN Youth Lead the Charge:
At the 2024 ASEAN Youth Interface, young leaders from across the region presented a bold vision for the future to ASEAN heads of state, one that placed youth at the forefront of addressing some of ASEAN’s most pressing challenges. Supported by UNICEF and UNFPA, the youth representatives from Laos and Malaysia brou...
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Empowering ASEAN’s Future
This past weekend, the historic city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, served as the backdrop for the 3rd ASEAN Youth Dialogue, a forum where Southeast Asia’s next generation of leaders convened to address the region’s most pressing challenges. The event, hosted by the Lao Youth Union, with support from UNICEF and UNFPA,...
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Igniting the Spark
In today’s rapidly globalizing and digitizing world, children and adolescents need the skills to keep up with the demands of the 21 st century. Especially important for them to participate in today’s knowledge economy is a strong grasp of the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Howeve...
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Youth Champions Laos
With more than half of Lao PDR’s population comprised of young people below the age of 25, the country is brimming with vast potential. By leveraging the nation’s young bright minds and their unique voices to champion positive change in our communities, we stand to better address the most pressing issues affecting...
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“Because This is Our Home"
Chanphone Xongchaiyieu or Chan is a 19-year-old Hmong girl from Houaphanh province. Born in Thadmueang Village of Xamneua District, her home is nestled within the embrace of Houaphanh’s green and picturesque mountain ranges, a haven of natural beauty where her passion for the environment and volunteerism was nurtu...
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Journey of a Youth Champion for Environmental and Climate Action
Chanphone Xongchaiyieu (Chan), 18, is UNICEF Lao PDR’s first Youth Advocate. She has worked with local communities in her home province as well as UNICEF to raise awareness about environmental issues in the country and advocate for environmental and climate action. This World Children’s Day, we celebrate Chan’s ef...
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UNICEF Lao PDR Youth Advocates
Youth Advocates Training in Vang Vieng, Lao PDR. Meet UNICEF Lao PDR's Youth Advocates, a cohort of young people from across the country with universal goals who are championing the rights of children and young people., Chanphone Xongchaiyieu (Chan), 18, Youth Advocate for Environmental and Climate Action Chanphone Chan is a student from Houaphanh province with a passion for environmental issues and its impact on young people. Chan's is also part...
Press release
Lao National Radio and UNICEF strengthen capacity of young people in Xaysomboun to advocate about youth-related issues
Xaysomboun, 16 June 2023, – With support from the European Union, a delegation from the Lao National Radio and UNICEF recently conducted a mission in June to Xaysomboun province of Lao PDR to strengthen the capacity of the provincial youth media group to advocate about children’s rights, including on the different...
Press release
UNICEF Lao PDR Announces its First-Ever Youth Advocate
Vientiane Capital, 9 June 2023, - UNICEF Lao PDR has proudly announced Chanphone Xongchaiyieu, or Chan, as its first-ever Youth Advocate. The 18-year-old from Houaphanh Province will be working with UNICEF to raise awareness and advocate for action around climate change and environmental issues and its impact on y...
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A New Era of Youth Advocacy for UNICEF Lao PDR
UNICEF Lao PDR introduces an inspiring new voice into the climate conversation – Chanphone Xongchaiyieu, or simply Chan. This 18-year-old Houaphanh Province native has been tasked with an ambitious role as the organization's first Youth Advocate. Chan, in this role, will shine a light on climate change, its enviro...
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‘I will speak up for every child in Lao PDR’
Moments before walking on stage to speak in front of the world, 15-year-old Nickar tried to calm herself, slowing her breath and reassuring herself with words of encouragement. “I was saying to myself ‘you are wonder woman,’” she says with a laugh. “I was saying things like: ‘today, I will speak up for every child, I will do my best, and let my…
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Youth Empowers Youth
UNICEF Lao PDR recently welcomed a young and inspiring guest from Australia, 17-year-old Indiana from Gympie, Queensland. She was appointed one of the eight Young Ambassadors for UNICEF Australia in July 2018. During her 2-day stay in Vientiane, she learned about UNICEF Lao PDR’s work and visited the Youth Media G...