VIENTIANE, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Laos marked International Children's Day and National Arbor Day on Monday with nationwide celebrations, highlighting the country's commitment to investing in its younger generation while strengthening environmental protection efforts.
Senior leaders joined officials, students, teachers and local communities at activities to promote children's welfare, environmental awareness and sustainable development.
At Viengkham Primary School in Lao capital Vientiane, President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife participated in celebrations with children, distributing educational materials and taking part in tree-planting activities.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also joined tree-planting activities in several places in Vientiane.
In a message marking International Children's Day, Sonexay described children as the nation's future and a key driving force for development. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting children's rights and ensuring their healthy growth, education and well-being.
He also encouraged children and youth to develop a sense of responsibility toward nature, noting that environmental stewardship and human development go hand in hand in building a sustainable future.
The Lao government plans to plant more than 25 million tree seedlings and restore over 50,000 hectares of forest nationwide in 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to expand forest cover and promote sustainable natural resource management. ■