The Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, delivers opening remarks at the second National Conference on Population and Development in Vientiane on Wednesday.

Laos pushes youth empowerment at national population conference

Laos has pledged to accelerate investment in education, employment and empowerment of its young people to unlock the country’s demographic dividend and drive green and sustainable growth.
The commitment was reaffirmed at the second National Conference on Population and Development (NCPD), held in Vientiane on October 1 with the theme of “Educate, Employ, Empower and Engage”.

The event was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, and jointly organised by the Ministry of Finance and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The gathering brought together deputy ministers, provincial governors, senior officials, ambassadors, and representatives of Cambodia and Vietnam, development partners and UN agencies.
The delegates reviewed progress since the first national conference in 2023, while assessing policies linked to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the National Population and Development Policy for 2019–2030, and the implementation of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021–2025.
Dr Kikeo highlighted the urgency of acting now, given that nearly half of Laos’s population is under the age of 25.
“This demographic presents significant potential for shifting the age structure and providing a youthful workforce,” he said. “To fully capitalise on this dividend, continued investment in human capital is crucial in the short, medium and long-term.”

The Minister of Finance, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane, echoed this message, stressing that young people are central to Laos’s progress
He noted that creating an enabling environment through quality education, decent employment, and supportive policies. This would enable their full contribution to the nation’s development.
Adding that success depends greatly on the active role of the private sector and development partners.
The development partners reaffirmed their support for advancing gender equality, family planning, reproductive health, youth capacity-building and the fight against gender-based violence. Ambassadors and international organisations underlined the importance of using reliable data to guide national policies.
As part of South-South cooperation, delegates from Cambodia and Vietnam shared their experiences in translating the ICPD Programme of Action into policy and practice, and highlighted the value of regional learning to overcome shared challenges.
UNFPA’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Pio Smith, stressed the importance of looking beyond national borders.
“Stronger collaboration through ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region is essential to advancing our shared priorities – from economic integration and climate resilience to digital transformation, mobility and public health,” he said. “Only through regional cooperation can we ensure that change and development benefit all.”
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, said the conference was a vital platform to reaffirm collective commitments.
“The United Nations Country Team stands ready to support the government through strong partnerships, robust data and investments in youth,” he said. “By working together, breaking down silos, and engaging across sectors and generations, we can turn this unique opportunity into sustained progress and prosperity for all.”
The conference concluded with consensus on nine recommendations and 25 strategic focus areas. These will serve as key inputs for the upcoming 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030, ensuring that youth and human capital remain at the centre of Laos’s future development strategy.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 2, 2025)