Canada names Thidaphone Nhongvongsithi as Diplomat for a Day 2026

The Embassy of Canada in Laos recognised Thidaphone Nhongvongsithi (Nina) as Canada’s Diplomat for a Day 2026.
Chosen out of a competitive pool of applicants from across Laos, Nina impressed the selection committee with her vision for positive change, leadership potential and commitment to advancing opportunities for young women.
Organised by the Embassy of Canada to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the Diplomat for a Day initiative provides a young woman leader with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to leadership, public service, diplomacy, and the important role women play in shaping more inclusive societies.
A recent graduate in International and European Law from the University of Bordeaux, France, Nina has contributed to the JuSTICE Project, an initiative supporting access to justice in Laos, and is currently a trainee at the Delegation of the European Union to Laos.
Nina, who is fluent in five languages, has also represented Laos abroad through cultural exchange programmes in Japan and France. She aspires to build a career in international law and diplomacy, with a particular interest in promoting women’s rights and strengthening international cooperation.
“When women and girls are believed, given space to express themselves, and given opportunities like this one from the Embassy of Canada in Laos, we can build a future that is more inclusive, equal and prosperous. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to contribute my ideas and perspectives to conversations that help shape our future,” said Nina.
Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires Caitlin Sievert said: “Across Laos, young women are already leading in their communities, schools, workplaces and universities.
“Through the Diplomat for a Day initiative, we wanted to create an opportunity for a young woman leader to engage with the international community in Laos, learn from women in leadership positions, and gain insights into careers in public service and diplomacy.”
Sievert added, “Just as importantly, the initiative created a space for Nina to share her own perspectives, experiences and aspirations as a young Lao woman. Too often, young women do not have access to decision-making spaces where their voices can be heard.
“The Diplomat for a Day initiative is intended to help ensure that leaders from across sectors could listen directly to the ideas, priorities, and ambitions of the next generation. We were delighted to welcome Nina as Canada’s Diplomat for a Day and are confident she will continue to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.”
As part of the programme, Nina met diplomats, representatives of the government, international organisations and development partners, and business leaders, gaining insight into leadership in practice and learning about efforts to advance gender equality, inclusion and sustainable development.
The programme also provided an opportunity for Nina to share her perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing young women in Laos, helping ensure that their voices are heard in spaces where they are not always represented.
Canada’s Diplomat for a Day initiative reflects the country’s commitment to advancing gender equality, supporting women’s leadership, and empowering girls and young women to reach their full potential. By creating opportunities for young women to engage directly with leaders and decision-makers, the initiative helps amplify their voices and encourages greater participation in the decisions that shape their communities and futures.
Through initiatives such as this, Canada continues to champion equality, opportunities and representation for women.
The Embassy of Canada extended its appreciation to UNICEF Lao PDR, The Asia Foundation, the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (ECCIL), the British Chamber of Commerce Lao PDR, and the Embassies of Australia, France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and the Mekong River Commission for their valued support and participation in this year’s initiative. Their contributions helped provide a meaningful platform for engaging, inspiring and elevating the voices of young women leaders in Laos.

By Addvertorial Desk
 (Latest Update October 13, 2026)