VIENTIANE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first Lao National Youth Forum, themed "Youth-Led Climate Smart Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems," kicked off in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday, aiming to empower youth to drive the transformation of food systems toward sustainability.
According to the Vientiane Mai newspaper on Wednesday, the forum was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Xaynakhone Inthavong, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos Bakhodir Burkhanov, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative to Laos Kyung-Mee Kim, and other key stakeholders.
In his speech, Xaynakhone highlighted Laos' rapidly growing population, projected to reach 9 million by 2035. This growth will drive economic expansion but also increase demand for food, water, and land. The rise in urban areas, which converts agricultural land into residential zones, adds pressure on resources and food security, with climate change further compounding these challenges.
To address these issues, the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is focusing on transforming food systems. Key initiatives include promoting young farmers by offering training in sustainable agriculture, business management, and marketing, as well as supporting research on climate resilience in partnership with universities.
The ministry also encourages youth involvement in community development, provides scholarships and vocational training, and organizes periodic courses in agricultural technology, fostering a new generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture. ■
